Kirk Nieuwenheis went 4-for-4 to help the New York Mets win their spring opener by an 8-2 score over the Atlanta Braves.
The Mets broke the game open on Johnny Monell's three-run home run off veteran Jose Veras in a five-run sixth inning.
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A pair of newcomers helped the Braves scored both of their runs in the first inning against Mets starter Dillon Gee. Jonny Gomes hit a sac fly with the bases loaded, and A.J. Pierzynski's two-out single scored Jace Peterson.
For Atlanta, Wandy Rodriguez allowed a run, Matt Capps was charged with two and Chien-Ming Wang pitched two scoreless innings with three strikeouts.
New York infielder Wilmer Flores left the game early after being hit by a pitch.
[SportsNetwork.com]