Foltynewicz flops, Braves blow big lead in 10-8 loss to Mets

NEW YORK (AP) -- No matter how much they score, no lead is safe for the Atlanta Braves.

Juan Lagares hit a go-ahead homer and the New York Mets used a surprising power surge to rally from five runs down Sunday, beating Atlanta 10-8 for their biggest comeback victory since 2011.

"We scored some runs early and could not keep them from scoring," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said.

That's nothing new. Atlanta lost for the fourth time this year when putting up at least eight runs - three of them since June 3.

Jace Peterson hit his second career homer for the Braves, a three-run shot. He tied a career high with three hits and scored three times from the leadoff spot.

Kelly Johnson had three hits and two RBIs, and Juan Uribe also got three hits. But rookie starter Mike Foltynewicz failed to make it through five innings after he was handed leads of 5-1 and 8-3.

"I just didn't have it today," Foltynewicz said.

The right-hander was charged with six runs, five earned, and nine hits over 4 1-3 innings in his ninth major league start. Acquired in the January trade that sent Evan Gattis to Houston, Foltynewicz has given up 14 earned runs over 15 2-3 innings in his last three outings.

"It's not a question of confidence. I know how good I am and what I'm capable of," he said. "I just have to keep attacking, and work my way through it. I'm going through a rough spot right now. I know it sounds like a broken record my last three starts."

After he was pulled, the latest meltdown by a struggling bullpen left the Braves with their 10th loss in 14 games at Citi Field. Atlanta relievers began the day ranked 27th in the majors with a 4.53 ERA.

But first, Foltynewicz let the Mets back in the game. New York had not won when allowing eight or more runs since beating San Diego 9-8 on Aug. 8, 2011. That was the longest drought in the majors.

"I left everything up. It seemed like even my curveball was up today," Foltynewicz said.

Darrell Ceciliani launched his first major league home run into the second deck in right field, and Dilson Herrera also had a solo shot in the fourth inning off Foltynewicz. Travis d'Arnaud's two-run drive against reliever Brandon Cunniff trimmed the deficit to 8-7 in the fifth.

Pinch-hitter Michael Cuddyer and Curtis Granderson singled in the sixth before Lagares pulled a 1-2 breaking ball from Luis Avilan (2-2) into the left-field stands. Lagares held his bat aloft for a moment as he began his trot around the bases, then celebrated in the dugout with excited teammates.

"I don't think anybody ever felt like we were out of it," d'Arnaud said.

Wilmer Flores had an early two-run single for the Mets, who took two of three in the series. The hitters bailed out Dillon Gee, knocked around in a spot start five days after his first relief appearance in more than four years.

Lagares and Granderson both finished with three hits on Banner Day at Citi Field. None of the four Mets who went deep have more than three homers this season.

The previous time New York won after trailing by at least five runs was Sept. 22, 2011, at St. Louis.

"That's an amazing win right there," Lagares said. "The whole team battled the whole game."

New father Jeurys Familia got four outs for his 19th save in 20 tries, aided by Herrera's sensational play at second base to end the eighth.

Sean Gilmartin (1-0) worked two hitless innings for his first career win, striking out three.

"He did a great job. Right when we needed those innings, he gave them to us," manager Terry Collins said.

WHAT A WASTE

Atlanta went 7 for 13 with runners in scoring position, including 6 for 11 against Gee.

PROUD PAPAS

Familia rejoined the team after missing Saturday's game to spend time with his new son. Jeurys Familia Jr. was born while the reliever was finishing off Friday night's win. Mets infielder Ruben Tejada also is a new father. He was activated from the paternity leave list and played third base.

UP NEXT

Braves: Rookie right-hander Williams Perez remains scheduled to start Monday night in Boston after throwing nine pitches in the 11th inning Saturday to earn his first career save. "We'll monitor him a little bit, but he's fine," Gonzalez said. Rick Porcello (4-6) goes for the last-place Red Sox, who have lost six straight.

Mets: SS Jose Reyes returns to Citi Field on Monday night with the streaking Toronto Blue Jays, who have won 11 consecutive games to tie the team record.

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