New York Mets utility man Jeff McNeil is never going to lead the league in exit velocity or home runs. He may never contend for another batting title, either. Instead, in his age-33 season, McNeil is redefining himself and saving his career.

NEW YORK — As a shot off the bat of Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna traveled toward left-center field, Jeff McNeil scrambled to the Citi Field warning track, slowed his feet and robbed the would-be home run by launching himself into the air and bracing his right leg against the wall as he came down with the ball.

Juan Soto enacted his revenge on the Yankees with his 21st home run of the season, but it was a homegrown hero who put the Mets back on top for good in the bottom of the seventh, Jeff McNeil.