Jon Niese had a quality start, but the Mets couldn’t muster much offense against Bronson Arroyo, who has pitched well against the Mets his entire career.
Niese went 7 2/3 innings and struck out eight, tied for his season high. He allowed three runs on two solo home runs by All Star Brandon Phillips and Chris Heisey. The other run came again on a double by Phillips.
Niese’s opponent was even better. Arroyo pitched eight full innings and allowed only one run, a homer to Angel Pagan in the first inning.
With the loss, the Mets fall three games behind the Braves, who beat the Phillies, 7-5.
Other News: Luis Castillo is set to start a rehab assignment in Port St. Lucie this weekend.
Carlos Beltran was one-for-one, with a walk and two runs scored in a rain-shortened game.
Oliver Perez will continue his rehab assignment next in Buffalo.