Six-run seventh inning helps New York Mets top Atlanta Braves

NEW YORK — Asdrubal Cabrera’s RBI single jump-started a six-run seventh inning Monday afternoon for the New York Mets, who went on to rout the Atlanta Braves, 6-0, on Opening Day for both teams at Citi Field.

The Mets improved their baseball-best record on Opening Day to 36-20. The Braves fell to 23-29 on Opening Day since moving to Atlanta in 1966.

Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard and Braves right-hander Julio Teheran matched zeroes for six innings before New York busted out against a quartet of Atlanta relievers in the seventh, when it sent 11 batters to the plate.

Syndergaard allowed five hits and no walks while striking out seven before he left with a blister on his right middle finger.

Rene Rivera led off with a single against losing pitcher Ian Krol (0-1). Pinch-runner Travis d’Arnaud was forced at second on a grounder by pinch-hitter Wilmer Flores, who stole second before Jose Reyes walked.

Cabrera’s single — his third hit of the day — scored Flores, who was initially called out but ruled safe on a replay challenge. After Yoenis Cespedes walked, Curtis Granderson lofted a sacrifice fly against Eric O’Flaherty.

Neil Walker and Jay Bruce each walked, with Bruce’s walk forcing home a run, before Lucas Duda laced a three-run double.

Hansel Robles (1-0) earned the win with a perfect seventh inning.

Freddie Freeman had three hits for the Braves.

Teheran allowed four hits and walked three while striking out six.