7,475: All-too-familiar bullpen collapse dooms Mets, Braves win 7-6

The Mets’ bullpen gave up four eighth-inning runs to squander a one-run Sunday, leading to a 7-6 loss to the Atlanta Braves.

The Mets scored four early runs to knock out Braves’ starter James Parr, who gave up four runs on four hits and four walks after only 1 2/3 innings of work. But the Braves’ bullpen held the Mets scoreless from the third through the eighth innings, setting the stage for an all-too-familiar Mets’ bullpen collapse.

With New York leading 4-3 in the middle of the eighth, Scott Schoeneweis came in and got one out before giving up a double and RBI single. Joe Smith was then brought in to face righty Jeff Francoeur but yielded an RBI triple. Pedro Feliciano was able to get out number two before Aaron Heilman came in and gave up a two-run double to pinch-hitter Chipper Jones to make it 7-4.

The Mets were able to get back two in the ninth on a Carlos Delgado homer, but Carlos Beltran and pinch-hitter Damion Easley struck out swinging to end the game.

Mets’ starter Mike Pelfrey went six innings, gave up three runs on six hits and three walks, striking out two. He lost his no-hitter in the first inning when Martin Prado singled to right, making it 7,475 games without a Mets no-no.