Mets survive after Braves nearly erase seven-run cushion in nightmare ninth inning

ATLANTA — After getting bludgeoned the previous night, the Mets were off to a rough start Sunday, with their best starting pitcher unsteady.But the long afternoon that appeared to await Nolan McLean and the Mets never materialized, as the rookie right-hander recovered to help lead a 10-9 victory over the Braves.Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.

Both Mets wins on this road trip have come in games started by McLean, a bright spot in a rotation besieged by underperformance.McLean allowed three runs (one unearned) in the first inning and then nothing over the next five.Overall, he surrendered five hits and one walk with five strikeouts.The Mets, who won for only the third time in 15 games, will try to escape with a series split Monday before beginning a homestand that will take them to the All-Star break.As badly as the Mets (37-53) have played against most opponents, they are 3-3 against the Braves, leaders of the National League East.Bo Bichette’s RBI single in the first got the Mets started after Francisco Lindor reached on Austin Riley’s error and Juan Soto singled — and subsequently was thrown out attempting to stretch the hit into a double.

Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Please provide a valid email.By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! McLean had a rough first inning, allowing four hits, and didn’t help himself with an errant pickoff throw that led to an unearned run.Michael Harris II continued his big series with a two-run single and reached third when McLean’s pickoff attempt sailed past Mark Vientos.

Mauricio Dubón’s RBI single extended the Braves lead to 3-1.Drake Baldwin was hit by a pitch leading off, and Ozzie Albies doubled him to third.A.J.

Ewing homered leading off the...