Braves 9, Mets 2

Backup catcher David Ross hit a grand slam to cap a seven-run fifth inning as the Atlanta Braves blasted the New York Mets 9-2 on Tuesday at Turner Field.

Ross' grand slam -- his second homer of the season -- was the last straw for Mets starter Jonathon Niese (8-7), who allowed eight runs -- but only three earned -- on 10 hits over 4 2/3 innings.

The big inning made a winner out of Braves starter Mike Minor, who saw Jason Heyward drive in the go-ahead run with a two-run double after the rookie left-hander had been lifted for pinch-hitter Nate McLouth to lead off the fifth.

Minor (3-0) allowed two runs on seven hits over five innings to win his third consecutive start.

Derrek Lee went 3-for-3 with an RBI and a walk for Atlanta, which has scored seven or more runs in each of its four consecutive victories.

Ruben Tejada and Luis Castillo had two hits apiece for the Mets.

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New York MetsMets000020000271
Atlanta BravesBraves0001701009121
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Season Series
AtlantaStatsNY Mets
11-7Vs7-11
.279Batting Average.223
3.9Runs / Game2.5
15Home Runs10
16Errors13