Braves 6, Mets 2
NEW YORK -- Matt Wisler earned his first win in almost two months, and Jace Peterson and Hector Olivera each homered during a four-run fifth inning that lifted the Atlanta Braves to a 6-2 victory over the New York Mets on Tuesday night at Citi Field.
The Braves (61-91) won for the fourth time in five games and scored more than three runs for the first time since Sept. 13.
Despite the loss, the Mets (85-66) saw their magic number to win the National League East reduced to six by virtue of the Washington Nationals' 4-1 loss to the Baltimore Orioles.
Wisler (6-8) pitched seven-plus innings, allowing two runs on five hits and one walk while striking out eight. He was 0-7 with a 7.71 ERA in 10 games (nine starts) since his previous win July 26.
Wisler was pulled after walking right fielder Curtis Granderson to open the eighth. The Mets loaded the bases against right-hander Peter Boylan, who gave up a single to third baseman David Wright, and left-hander Matt Marksberry, who walked center fielder Yoenis Cespedes with one out.
Atlanta right-hander Edwin Jackson minimized the damage by retiring pinch hitter Michael Cuddyer on a sacrifice fly to center and inducing shortstop Wilmer Flores to ground out.
Braves pinch hitter Adonis Garcia provided insurance by lacing a two-run double in the ninth.
Mets right-hander Logan Verrett (1-2), making a spot start in place of ace right-hander Jacob deGrom, allowed four runs on five hits in five innings. He walked one and struck out three.
The Mets took the lead six pitches into the game on Wright's solo homer to center field.
Verrett allowed two hits through four innings before the Braves busted out in the fifth. Peterson, Atlanta's second baseman, hit a leadoff homer.
One out later, center fielder Michael Bourn singled and went to second on a bunt by Wisler. After an intentional walk to right fielder Nick Markakis, Olivera blasted a three-run homer well beyond the left field wall. It was the third baseman's second major league home run.
NOTES: Mets INF Juan Uribe (chest contusion) remained sore and did not play Tuesday night. Uribe was injured diving for a ball on Sunday night. ... Mets RHP Jacob deGrom, whose start was skipped Tuesday, will return to the rotation Sunday when New York plays the finale of a four-game series against the Cincinnati Reds. DeGrom has a 6.31 ERA in his last five starts. ... Mets bench coach Bob Geren turned 54 Tuesday. ... Braves RF Nick Markakis returned to the lineup after missing two games with a sore trapezius. He went 1-for-4 with a walk. ... RHP Dan Winkler, who struck out two in his major league debut Monday night, will be among the Atlanta prospects to participate in the Arizona Fall League.