The New York Mets’ challenging June continued on Monday, June 23, 2025, as they fell 3-2 to the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field, marking their ninth loss in their last ten games. This defeat also extended Atlanta’s perfect record against the Mets this season to 4-0, further solidifying the Braves’ recent dominance over their division rival.
Despite the sweltering 87-degree heat at first pitch, the Braves jumped out to an early lead. Ronald Acuña Jr. ignited Atlanta’s offense in the third inning with a towering 419-foot solo home run to straight-away center field, his ninth of the season. Acuña’s celebratory trot around the bases, including his signature Eurostep, drew boos from the 38,593 fans in attendance (MLB.com, New York Daily News). Braves catcher Sean Murphy added another run with a sacrifice fly in the same inning, extending the lead to 3-0.
Braves right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach delivered a stellar performance, stifling the Mets’ offense for much of the game. He limited New York to just two runs on four hits over seven innings, striking out four and walking one. Schwellenbach’s impressive outing continued his strong record against the Mets, improving to 3-0 with a 2.06 ERA in five career starts against them (amNY). Mets starter Paul Blackburn, conversely, struggled to find his rhythm, surrendering three runs on six hits and three walks in 4.2 innings. Blackburn’s season ERA now stands at 6.92 with a 1.69 WHIP in four appearances (New York Post).
The Mets mounted a brief rally in the sixth inning when Juan Soto blasted a two-out, two-run home run against Schwellenbach, cutting the deficit to 3-2. This was Soto’s 17th home run of the season and his eighth of June, highlighting his hot streak at the plate. However, Soto’s chance to be a hero in the eighth inning was thwarted by Braves left-hander Dylan Lee, who struck him out on an eight-pitch at-bat with runners on first and third to end the threat. Lee then closed out the ninth inning cleanly, securing his second save of the season for the Braves (MLB.com, New York Daily News).
The Mets’ recent slump has seen them drop four consecutive home games, dating back to a sweep by the Tampa Bay Rays. Despite their 46-34 record, the team’s offensive struggles are evident, having scored only three runs and collected ten hits in their last two losses (New York Daily News).
Adding to the Braves’ challenges, they are navigating this critical series without ace left-hander Chris Sale, who was placed on the 15-day injured list with a fractured left rib cage. Sale, who had been exceptional with a 5-2 record and a 1.23 ERA in his last ten outings, suffered the injury while diving for a play in his previous start against the Mets (Sports Illustrated). The Braves’ rotation for the four-game series against the Mets will feature Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider, rookie Didier Fuentes, and Grant Holmes.
Meanwhile, the Braves are contemplating significant roster moves, potentially mirroring the Mets’ recent decision to demote 23-year-old catcher Francisco Álvarez to Triple-A for more reps. Atlanta’s struggling centerfielder, Michael Harris II, who was the NL Rookie of the Year in 2022, is currently batting .223 with a .585 OPS, ranking seventh-worst among qualified MLB hitters. He is 3-for-30 over his last eight games, prompting discussions about a possible stint in Triple-A Gwinnett to regain his form (Fansided). The Mets also optioned Ronald Acuña Jr.’s younger brother, Luisangel Acuña, to Triple-A Syracuse for more playing time on Monday (New York Daily News).
The Braves, now 36-42, are looking to gain ground in the NL East, where they trail the Mets and Phillies. Historically, Atlanta has performed well against New York, holding a 20-9 record since the start of the 2023 season, including a 9-5 mark at Citi Field (Sports Illustrated). The series continues Tuesday night, with Mets veteran right-hander Frankie Montas set to make his season debut after recovering from a lat strain, facing off against Braves right-hander Spencer Strider.
