Braves 1, Mets 0
Tim Hudson tossed eight sensational innings and Chipper Jones delivered a two-out single in the eighth to drive in the only run as the Atlanta Braves recorded a 1-0 win over the visiting New York Mets on Saturday.
The win, coupled with St. Louis' loss in Philadelphia on Saturday night, reduced Atlanta's magic number to clinch the National League wild card to seven games. The Braves are now 4 1/2 games ahead of the Cardinals for the final playoff spot.
Hudson (15-10) allowed four hits and struck out a season-high 10 batters. Craig Kimbrell struck out the side in the ninth to earn his 45th save, tying him for the major league lead.
Jones plated Jason Heyward after lining the 2-2 pitch from R.A. Dickey up the middle. Heyward led off the inning with a walk, was sacrificed to second and took third on an infield grounder.
The Braves didn't get a runner in scoring position against Dickey (8-13) until the seventh inning. The knuckleballer took a two-hitter in the eighth inning when he got in trouble. He pitched 7 2/3 innings and allowed three hits and five walks.