The Atlanta Braves swept the New York Mets 7-1 on June 20, 2025, as Matt Olson and Spencer Strider starred, cutting the NL East deficit to just 10 games.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Is this the surge we've all been waiting for? It sure feels like it. The Atlanta Braves capped off a dominant series against the New York Mets with a 7-1 victory Friday night, completing a sweep, extending their winning streak to three games, and most importantly, looking like the juggernaut we know they can be. The vibes are immaculate at Truist Park as the team has now won seven of its last nine.
Just one week ago, the Braves were 15 games back in the NL East. After Friday's sweep, that deficit is down to 10.
The big blow came from the bat of Matt Olson, who ripped a bases-clearing, three-run double to break the game wide open. Olson was a force all night, adding another double, two walks, and scoring three times. On the mound, Spencer Strider was his usual electric self, carving up the Mets lineup for eight strikeouts over six stellar innings, allowing just a single run. The Braves' offense was relentless and patient, grinding out nine walks against a wild Mets pitching staff, including two with the bases loaded in the fifth inning. It was a complete team win that showcased both power and discipline.
While the veterans sealed the win, the big news looking ahead is the impending arrival of a new face. The Braves are set to call up 20-year-old pitching phenom Didier Fuentes to make his Major League debut in the upcoming series against Miami. This move not only gives the regular rotation some valuable extra rest but also shows the front office's aggressive confidence in its top-tier prospects. Get ready to see what the kid can do.
Fuentes isn't the only young arm making noise. Down on the farm, JR Ritchie earned a promotion to Double-A after posting a sparkling 1.30 ERA in High-A. He's joined by 2024 draftee Brett Sears, who has rocketed to the same level while striking out a ridiculous 32.4% of batters. It wasn't all good news, however, as Drue Hackenberg landed on the injured list with a back injury after some struggles in Double-A.
Amid the Braves' celebration, there was a moment of recognition for an opponent. Mets outfielder Juan Soto slapped a single in the first inning to record his 1,000th career hit. At just 26 years old, it's a remarkable milestone for one of the game's great young hitters, and a classy moment even in a rival's ballpark.
With a crucial sweep in the books and momentum on their side, the Braves head to Miami with a renewed sense of purpose. All eyes will be on the debut of 20-year-old Didier Fuentes as Atlanta looks to prove this winning streak is no fluke, but the beginning of their climb back to the top of the NL East.
