Braves 4, Mets 0
Paul Maholm pitched a complete-game three-hitter and Jason Heyward and Dan Uggla blasted two-run homers as visiting Atlanta won the opener of a weekend series.
Maholm (10-7) was sensational in leading the Braves to their 13th win in the last 16 games. In his second start since being acquired from the Cubs at the trade deadline, the left-hander won his first game with Atlanta in impressive fashion, striking out five while throwing 64 of his 95 pitches for strikes.
Maholm retired 11 hitters in a row at one point and faced the minimum through five innings.
Heyward set a career high with his 19th homer in the first, staking Maholm to a 2-0 lead. Uggla connected on his 13th homer of the season - his first since July 8 - with one out in the eighth.
New York hurler Matt Harvey (1-3), making his fourth major-league start and first at Citi Field, struggled with his control. He walked five in six innings, but only allowed two hits. The Mets have lost 10 of their past 11 home games.
Michael Bourn led off the game with a walk. With one out, Heyward hit a Harvey offering into the Braves bullpen.
Freddie Freeman walked with one out in the eighth off Josh Edgin. Uggla followed with his homer, a line drive into the seats in left-center.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Atlanta 3B Chipper Jones (back spasms) and C Brian McCann (shoulder) did not start. Both are expected to return to the lineup Saturday. … Maholm came in with a 0-2 record and 8.80 ERA in four appearances at Citi Field. …Struggling New York LF Jason Bay went 0-for-3, dropping his average to .152. ... Harvey struck out three, after fanning 23 in his first three starts. ... Maholm threw his first complete-game shutout since May 28, 2011, for the Pirates against the Cubs.