Santana, Mets Shut Down Braves

It seemed like months since the Mets were able to add to the win column in standing with their last win coming six days ago before the All-Star break. But on Saturday the Mets were able to take a game from the Atlanta Braves with a 5-1 win behind their ace Johan Santana.

Santana earned his 11th win of the season with seven scoreless
innings against the Mets' division rival. He allowed just five hits, while striking out five and walking
two in his 115-pitch effort.

Holding on to a 2-1 lead entering the ninth inning, the Mets put up three runs thanks to three hits and a pair of walks against Braves reliever Manny Acosta.

With a four-run lead and just three wins in their last 11 games, Mets manager Jerry Manuel turned to closer Francisco Rodriguez in a non-save situation in the bottom of the ninth. Rodriguez retired the side in order, striking out Martin Prado and Chipper Jones to end the game.

The Mets received scored their five runs with RBIs from five different hitters. Angel Pagan, Luis Castillo, Jeff Francoeur, Jeremy Reed and Omir Santos all drove in runs, as the Mets recorded nine hits in the game.

Braves starter Kenshin Kawakami lost for the seventh time this season, pitching 6 2/3 innings. He allowed just five hits and two earned runs, but against Santana it wasn't good enough.