C David Ross hit his first career grand slam to highlight a seven run 5th inning as the Atlanta Braves punished the New York Mets 9-3 Tuesday night at Turner Field in Georgia. Mets 2B Luis Castillo let a sure double play grounder go thru his legs in the inning, LH Jon Niese(8-7,3.70) never recovered from the error. The rookie southpaw allowed 10 hits in 4 and two third innings as well as 8 runs(5 unearned). Ross slam led the Braves offense while 1B Derek Lee had 3 hits, 2B Martin Prado, OF Melky Cabrera and Ross added two hits apiece. Rookie LH Mike Minor(3-0,3.91) got the win, giving up 7 hits and two runs over 5 innings. Mets SS Ruben Tejada and Castillo had two hits to pace NY who drop to 65-67 on the year.
FRANCOEUR TRADED: Popular RF Jeff Francoeur was traded after the game to the Texas Rangers. The ex-Brave registered his NL Leading 11th outfield assist in the game and despite his sometimes maddening tendency to have bad at bats, many viewed “Frenchy” as a team leader. The Mets received INF Joaquin Arias, a defensive first player who can play 1B, 2B or SS. The 25 year old has hit .276 with 6 extra base hits in 101 2010 at bats.
METS STARTING LINE-UP: Castill0, 3B David Wright, CF Carlos Beltran, Francoeur, 1B Ike Davis, C Henry Blanco, LF Chris Carter, Tejada, Pitcher
GAME NOTES: OF Angel Pagan was out of the line-up due to tendinitis in his wrist…. Mets recalled RHP Jenrry Mejia and OF-IF Lucas Duda from Triple A Buffalo after the game…. Francoeur and Blanco had rbi for the Mets…. Team went o for 5 with runners in scoring position
NEXT GAME:
WEDNESDAY, Game 3 of 4 vs the Braves in Atlanta
7:10 pm
Braves RH Tommy Hanson(8-10,3.76) vs. Mets RH Mike Pelfrey(13-7,3.61)
