Quick Recap: Mets 6, Braves 5 — Phew!

The Mets were able to avoid a sweep at the hands of the hated Braves, thanks in large part to an excellent outing by Jon Niese. In eight innings, Niese struck out six, walked two, and allowed just one run. The Mets' bats provided two runs in the first and one run in each of the second, fifth, sixth, and eight innings to build a six-to-one lead heading into the ninth inning.

Josh Edgin recorded two outs but loaded the bases around the outs on two walks and a hit-by-pitch. With that, Terry Collins to turn to Frank Francisco, who walked the first batter he faced to force in a run and cut the Mets' lead to four. He walked the second batter he faced and cut the Mets' lead to three. He gave up a double to the third batter he faced to plate two runs and cut the Mets' lead to one.

In came Jon Rauch, who struck out Jason Heyward with runners on second and third. The ball got a little away from Rob Johnson, who just barely threw out Heyward at first base to finally end the game.

We knew it was over when...

The umpire called Heyward out at first base, and not a moment sooner.

What else?

• Niese has completed at least six innings in thirteen consecutive starts.
• Jordany Valdespin hit his eighth home run of the season in his 147th plate appearance. It's a small sample, of course, but that's a pace of 33 home runs over 600 plate appearances.
• LOLpen

Game Thread Roll Call

Nice job by Terry_is_God; his effort in the game thread embiggens us all.