Naquin's two homers, Diaz's two-inning save lift Mets

Deadline acquisition Tyler Naquin homered twice in his home debut, Edwin Diaz locked down his first two-inning save as a pro and the New York Mets beat the Atlanta Braves 6-4 to open a pivotal five-game series between the NL East rivals.

Pete Alonso and Daniel Vogelbach hit back-to-back homers in the third for the Mets, who extended their lead over the Braves to 4 1/2 games. Alonso, who began the scoring with a single in the first, finished with three RBIs.

Naquin, acquired from the Cincinnati Reds last Friday, hit solo shots in the second and sixth off Kyle Wright.

(New York Mets' Tyler Naquin celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run during the second inning of the team's baseball game against the Atlanta Braves on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II))