The Sports Xchange
Sep 27, 2017
NEW YORK -- Robert Gsellman tossed six strong innings, and Travis d'Arnaud collected three RBIs as the New York Mets beat the Atlanta Braves 7-1 Wednesday night in what could have been manager Terry Collins' final game at Citi Field.
The Mets (69-90) won the final three games of the four-game series against the Braves (71-87).
The Mets are 273-294 at Citi Field in seven seasons under Collins, whose contract expires Sunday. General manager Sandy Alderson said the status of Collins, the longest-tenured manager in franchise history, will be discussed once the season is over, though the New York Post reported this week that the club has several candidates in mind to replace the 68-year-old skipper.
Before the game Wednesday, Collins said he wasn't thinking about the possibility he could be managing his last game at home. The thought appeared to be crossing his mind a few hours later, when he exchanged heartier-than-usual handshakes at home plate with the umpiring crew and Braves manager Brian Snitker before waving to fans who were cheering him behind the Mets dugout.
Gsellman (8-7) allowed one run on six hits and one walk while striking out four.
D'Arnaud tied the game with a run-scoring fielder's choice in the fourth before giving the Mets a lead with a two-run single in the fifth.
The Mets scored four unearned runs in the seventh, when first baseman Freddie Freeman's two-out error opened the door for Dominic Smith to hit a three-run pinch-hit homer and for Jose Reyes to lace an RBI double.
Ozzie Albies had three hits, including an RBI single in the third, and two stolen bases for the Braves.
Left-hander Sean Newcomb (4-9) took the loss after allowing three runs on four hits and four walks while striking out seven over five innings.
NOTES: Mets RHP Erik Goeddel (right biceps tendinitis) was unavailable Wednesday night. ... The Mets are scheduled to begin the 2018 season at home by hosting the St. Louis Cardinals on Opening Day, March 29. ... Braves RF Nick Markakis (personal) missed the game after traveling home to Baltimore. He is also expected to miss Thursday's series opener against the Miami Marlins before rejoining the team Friday. ... Braves manager Brian Snitker said RHP R.A. Dickey would start Sunday's season finale if he wants. If Dickey declines, the start will go to LHP Max Fried. Dickey, 42, has discussed retiring after the season.