Braves 2, Mets 1
ATLANTA -- Freddie Freeman launched a two-run homer with one out in the ninth inning, lifting the Atlanta Braves to a 2-1 win over the New York Mets on Monday.
Freeman hit a 2-2 pitch from Dillon Gee well into the right field bleachers for his seventh homer of the season. It was the second game-ending homer for Freeman, who had three of Atlanta's five hits.
Gee (5-7) was two outs away from his first career shutout, and he drove in the Mets' only run. He was allowed to start the ninth inning, even though closer Bobby Parnell was warming up in the bullpen.
Gee got Jason Heyward on a grounder to open the ninth, but Justin Upton reached on a single. Freeman then ended the game with the home run.
David Carpenter (1-0) pitched a scoreless ninth inning for the win.
The start of the game was delayed three hours and 43 minutes because of rain. Both clubs were determined to take every measure to complete the game since they're playing a day-night doubleheader Tuesday and the weather forecast is dicey. New York has already had six games postponed because of rain or snow.
Atlanta starter Tim Hudson pitched seven innings of one-run ball. The Mets finally got to him for a run in his last inning. John Buck singled, and he took second base on Omar Quintanilla's grounder that produced the inning's second out. Gee's base hit to left knocked in Buck.
Lucas Duda went 4-for-4 for the Mets, who had seven hits.
NOTES: An approaching storm shortened the time the Braves were able to take batting practice and prevented the Mets from doing so, as the grounds crew covered the infield with the tarp. Team officials announced a 10:05 p.m. EDT start time, but that was changed when another front moved through and caused the field to be covered again. The first pitch didn't take place until 10:53 p.m. ... The Braves are expected to call up RHP Cory Rasmus for Tuesday's doubleheader, while the Mets might activate RHP Scott Atchison from the disabled list. A rule permits teams to add a 26th player to the roster for a doubleheader. Rasmus made two appearances with the Braves in an earlier call-up and allowed five runs and three homers in 3 2/3 innings. Atchison is 0-0 with a 4.50 ERA in 19 appearances with the Mets. He's been on a rehab assignment with Double-A Binghamton since going on the DL on May 13 due to finger numbness.
