The Atlanta Braves fell by a score of 4-3 in their Grapefruit League opener against the New York Mets in Port St. Lucie.
The Braves jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second on a sacrifice fly by Greyson Jenista and a run scoring single by Drew Lugbauer. The Mets evened things back up in the bottom half of the inning when Mets rookie first baseman Pete Alonso launched a two-run home run off of Touki Toussaint.
"Pete" Alonso LAUNCHED the very first pitch he saw for a HR to center.
— Pitcher List (@PitcherList) February 23, 2019
I think the name change is working. pic.twitter.com/6TfMnU1lTW
Touki Toussaint said the Pete Alonso homer was the hardest hit he's allowed in his life.
— Gabe Burns (@GabeBurnsAJC) February 23, 2019
The Mets scratched across an unearned run against Kolby Allard in the third on an infield single by Robinson Cano. Rymer Liriano hit a solo home run off of Jacob Webb in the sixth to increase New York’s lead to 4-2. Connor Lien brought Atlanta back to within one with a solo home run of his own in the eighth.
Toussaint allowed an infield single and the Alonso home run in his two innings of work. He struck out two and didn’t walk anyone. His stuff was impressive as always.
Touki Toussaint's splitter falling off the table to Devin Mesoraco. pic.twitter.com/EWdyoMb9zQ
— Pitcher List (@PitcherList) February 23, 2019
Allard also threw two innings allowing two hits, one walk and an unearned run. His fastball appeared to be sitting at 89-90 MPH. Wes Parsons, Thomas Burrows and Chad Sobotka all worked scoreless innings out of the bullpen
Austin Riley got the start at third and looked solid in the field despite going 0-for-2 at the plate with a pair of strikeouts. Jenista went 1-for-1 with a single and sacrifice fly while Alex Jackson and Cristian Pache all finished with a hit apiece.
The Braves will head down to West Palm Beach on Sunday where they will take on the Houston Astros.