Mets 1, Braves 0
David Wright’s RBI single and five scoreless innings from Johan Santana helped host New York open the 2012 schedule with the victory.
The Mets, celebrating their 50th season, improved to 6-1 on opening day since 2006.
With runners at the corners, Wright broke the standstill with a single into left field, scoring Andres Torres from third in the bottom of the sixth. Wright, who missed time this spring with an abdominal strain, finished 2-for-3.
Santana, making his first start in 19 months, allowed just two hits and struck out five batters. The two-time Cy Young winner missed 2011 recovering from shoulder surgery.
After Martin Prado singled up the middle in the first inning, Santana retired 12 straight batters before Matt Diaz doubled in the top of the fifth.
Atlanta had a three-game winning streak on opening day snapped, falling to 5-2 in its last seven season openers.
Tommy Hanson (0-1), making his first opening day start, was impressive through five innings. The right-hander leaned on his breaking ball and gave up one run on four hits while striking out four batters.
Atlanta shortstop Tyler Pastornicky tripled with one out in the top of the seventh, but Mets reliever Tim Byrdak struck out back-to-back batters to strand the tying run at third.
Ramon Ramirez (1-0) got the win in relief and Frank Francisco picked up the save in his debut for the Mets.
GAME NOTEBOOK: New York honored late catcher Gary Carter before the game. … Diaz improved to 17-for-34 (.500) vs. Santana for his career. …Torres left with a calf injury in the seventh. … 42,080 was the largest crowd ever at Citi Field.