Jeff McNeil and Mark Vientos each hit two of New York's six home runs to back a steady pitching performance by Clay Holmes as the Mets beat the Atlanta Braves 9-2 on Saturday night. The Mets strengthened their hold on the final National League wild-card spot with their second straight win after losing 16 of 21 entering the series.

Clay Holmes gave the New York Mets exactly what their rotation has been missing, length and command, while the offense erupted for six home runs in a 9-2 rout of the Atlanta Braves on Saturday night at Truist Park.

The Mets and Braves last met just over a week ago in a three-game series in New York. Pete Alonso scored two home runs in the opener to become the Mets all-time leading home-run scorer in front of a delighted crowd at Citi Field. Alonso - known as the Polar Bear - has now hit 254 home runs for the franchise since joining in 2016.