Colon’s 1st RBI in decade helps Mets beat Braves 4-3

ATLANTA (AP) -- Bartolo Colon helped himself with his first RBI in a decade, Daniel Murphy hit a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the eighth inning and the New York Mets beat Atlanta 4-3 Sunday, giving the Braves their first loss this season.

Backed by Michael Cuddyer's two-run homer in the first inning, Colon led 3-2 before Jonny Gomes' seventh-inning homer just inside the left-field pole. Colon (2-0) allowed three runs and six hits in seven innings.

He also delivered the hitting highlight of the game. He lost his batting helmet when he punched a single into shallow right field to drive in Wilmer Flores from third base for a 3-2 lead in the fourth. With his helmet left behind in the batter's box, Colon grinned as he stood on first base following his first RBI since June 10, 2005, for the Los Angeles Angels against the Mets.

Colon's hit ended a 0-for-37 slump and was his sixth career RBI. He was only 2 for 62 (.032) with the Mets last year.

Juan Jaime (0-1) walked Curtis Granderson and Anthony Recker opening the eighth. Wilmer Flores sacrificed, and Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez ordered an intentional walk to Ruben Tejada, loading the bases.

Left-hander Andrew McKirahan, making his major league debut, threw two quick strikes before giving up Murphy's fly ball.

Cuddyer's homer, his first with the Mets, followed Lucas Duda's single.

Colon gave up a two-run triple to Andrelton Simmons in the second but otherwise was dominant. His biggest scare came in the sixth when center fielder Juan Lagares caught Freddie Freeman's fly ball in front of the wall.

Jeurys Familia got two outs for his first save.

TRAINING ROOM

Mets: Manager Terry Collins said Murphy was "kind of fatigued a little." Murphy had problems with his right hamstring in spring training. Collins said Murphy's legs "are fine." ... Collins said RHP Bobby Parnell, recovering from Tommy John surgery last April, probably will begin his minor league rehab in the Florida State League at a time still to be determined. "We're going to make sure he's ready before he gets here," Collins said.

Braves: LHP Mike Minor, on the 15-day DL with left shoulder soreness, had more discomfort while attempting to intensify his throwing program in Florida. He returned to Atlanta to be examined by team doctors and will be closely monitored as he tries to restart his throwing program.

UP NEXT

Mets: Collins is expecting RHP Jacob DeGrom to have a memorable start against the Phillies in Monday night's home opener. "I think it's something he should remember for a long time," Collins said. "To be the opening day guy is really an honor. . It'll be fun to watch." DeGrom allowed two runs in six innings in a 2-1 loss to the Nationals on Wednesday. RHP Aaron Harang (1-0) is scheduled to start for the Phillies.

Braves: RHP Shelby Miller, who received no decision while throwing five scoreless innings in Atlanta's 2-0 win in the third game of an opening, three-game sweep at Miami, will face the Marlins for the second time in six days in Monday night's series opener. Mat Latos will start for Miami. Miller was 0-1 with a 6.97 ERA in two 2014 starts against Miami.

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