Mets make dramatic play to catch Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr. in attempted robbery

The New York Mets defense had a game-scoring game against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night.

Mets pitcher RJ Alvarez was on the mound in relief for starter Taijuan Walker, who was pulled from the game after two innings with back spasms.

With Ronald Acuna Jr. on first base in the third inning, Alvarez threw a high, inside pitch to the head of Braves hitter Dansby Swanson.

The shortstop fell into the dirt to avoid getting run over.

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Mets catcher Michael Perez missed the errant pitch initially, but recovered when the ball came out of the backstop and between the legs of the home plate umpire. Perez then shot second baseman Jeff McNeil, who tagged Acuna’s foot for the out.

Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves is tagged out as he tries to steal second base in the team’s first inning of the team’s game against the New York Mets on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/John Bazemore)

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Alvarez then asked Swanson to fly out to complete the inning.

Atlanta was leading 1-0 at the time, courtesy of a solo home run by Robbie Grossman before the chaotic play. Acuna then walked to get to first base. Atlanta added two more runs in the fourth.

Both teams are battling it out at the top of the National League East.

Robbie Grossman of the Atlanta Braves hits a solo homer in the third inning against the New York Mets at Truist Park on August 16, 2022 in Atlanta.
(Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

The defending World Series champion Braves entered Tuesday just 4½ games behind the Mets for first place. Atlanta beat the Mets on Monday night and was riding a seven-game winning streak.

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New York received a blow earlier Tuesday when Carlos Carrasco was diagnosed with a low-grade oblique strain. He should miss 3-4 weeks.