The Atlanta Braves launched four home runs to defeat the struggling New York Mets 5-3 at Truist Park on Friday, July 3, 2026, opening their four-game holiday weekend series with a power display.
Matt Olson hit two solo home runs, while Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies each added long balls to support winning pitcher Grant Holmes, who allowed two runs over five innings.
The victory keeps Atlanta three games ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East, while the last-place Mets fell to 16 games under .
500.
Power Surge Puts Braves Ahead Early
Harris got Atlanta on the scoreboard first with a two-run home run off Mets starter Christian Scott in the second inning, marking his 15th home run of the season and career RBIs 300 and 301.
"Tonight it was about hitting homers and good pitching," said Harris, the Braves' center fielder.
Braves manager Walt Weiss praised Harris's reliability after the game as the team looks to rebound from a tough stretch in June.
"Michael has been one of our most consistent players," Weiss said.
The Mets briefly tied the game in the third inning when Juan Soto hit a two-run home run off Holmes, capitalizing on an earlier fielding error by Olson.
"The Soto home run the other way was ridiculously good; his at-bats continue to be ridiculously good," said Mets interim manager Andy Green.
Green noted that the remainder of New York's offensive production lacked continuity throughout the night.
"The rest of the lineup scattered decent at-bats," Green said.
New York failed to sustain any rallies, going hitless in critical situations and dropping 10 of their last 12 games overall.
"We weren't able to string anything together," Green added.
Mets starter Christian Scott took the loss after walking four batters and giving up three runs in four innings of work.
"I didn't do a good job of landing my off-speed pitches in those two innings," Scott said, referring to the second and third frames.
Despite the command issues, Green remained supportive of the young pitcher's aggressive approach.
"He's at his best when he's attacking, and he's certainly trying to do that," Green said.
Braves Add Veteran Depth
Prior to the game, media reports highlighted the Braves' recent organizational moves to bolster their depth following a challenging month.
Atlanta agreed to minor league deals with veteran first baseman Carlos Santana and former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen, both of whom will report to Triple-A Gwinnett.
"Veteran first baseman Carlos Santana and the Atlanta Braves are in agreement on a minor league contract," ESPN's Jeff Passan reported.
"The Braves have signed OF Andrew McCutchen to a Minor League deal. Like Carlos Santana, McCutchen will have a chance to prove himself with Triple-A Gwinnett," MLB.
com's Mark Bowman wrote.
Atlanta reliever Raisel Iglesias pitched the ninth inning to secure his 17th save of the season, despite allowing a run-scoring single to Bo Bichette.
Left-hander Chris Sale is scheduled to start for the Braves against New York's Sean Manaea on Saturday night.
