Martín Pérez continued his remarkable midseason resurgence Tuesday night, tossing six scoreless innings as the Atlanta Braves shut out the New York Mets 4-0 at Truist Park.
Pérez improved to 8-6 on the season while extending his scoreless streak to 18 consecutive innings, the third-longest active streak among Major League starters. The veteran left-hander has not allowed a run since surrendering a two-run homer to Francisco Lindor on July 27 and has become a stabilizing force for Atlanta’s injury-plagued rotation after joining the club as a non-roster invitee during spring training.
Atlanta’s offense didn’t need many hits to support Pérez. Ozzie Albies broke a scoreless tie in the fifth inning, launching a solo home run on an 0-2 pitch from Mets starter Nolan McLean. Matt Olson added some breathing room in the eighth, crushing his 35th home run of the season, a two-run blast that put the Braves firmly in control.
The Braves managed just three hits but capitalized on New York’s mistakes. They added another run in the seventh inning without recording a hit, as rookie reliever Jefry Yan issued three walks and uncorked a wild pitch before Mauricio Dubón lifted a sacrifice fly.
Pérez escaped his biggest jam in the sixth inning after allowing a walk and a single, getting an inning-ending double play to preserve his third consecutive scoreless outing.
Atlanta also flashed the leather with several outstanding defensive plays in the victory.
The Braves will look for a three-game sweep Wednesday when newly acquired right-hander Tyler Mahle (3-9, 4.83) takes the mound against Mets left-hander Zac Thornton (3-2, 2.52). Mahle impressed in his Atlanta debut by throwing six scoreless innings against the Yankees following his trade deadline acquisition.
You can hear all the action tonight on KOOL 102.7, with the Braves pregame show beginning at 6 p.m.