Nolan McLean gave the slumping Mets a boost with seven strong innings for his second career win, and New York beat the Atlanta Braves 12-7 on Friday night. Juan Soto homered and drove in four runs for the Mets. New York began the night only a half-game ahead of Cincinnati for the final National League wild card after losing 16 of 21 overall.

The scuffling New York Mets have been in desperate need of a starter other than David Peterson to pitch deep into games

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The Mets have lost back-to-back games entering this series and are 5-13 in August as they continue to struggle. Atlanta though, is hot! The Braves are 7-1 in the past eight games, including going 2-1 versus the Mets on August 12-14.