Nolan McLean gave the slumping Mets a boost with seven strong innings for his second career win, and New York beat the Atlanta Braves 12-7 on Friday night.
Juan Soto homered and drove in four runs for the Mets. New York began the night only a half-game ahead of Cincinnati for the final National League wild card after losing 16 of 21 overall.
McLean (2-0) was a Braves fan while growing up in Willow Spring, North Carolina. The right-hander allowed four hits and two runs with seven strikeouts and no walks in his second major league start since getting called up from the minors.