Flushing, NY (Sports Network) – Nate McLouth opened the scoring with an RBI double and homered in the ninth for insurance in Atlanta’s 4-2 win over the Mets at Citi Field.
Alex Gonzalez added a two-run double between McLouth’s contributions to help back the efforts of Tim Hudson (16-8), who got back on track after an ugly three-start losing streak.
Hudson struck out seven and walked one in seven innings, scattered six hits and gave up two runs. Jonny Venters bridged the gap to the ninth for Billy Wagner, who locked down his 35th save.
The Braves have taken the first two in this weekend series to open a critical nine-game road trip that includes three games versus the NL East-leading Phillies. The margin in the division shrank to 2 1/2 games, with Philadelphia set to take on Washington later Saturday.
Atlanta still leads the wild card, and stretched its advantage to two games over the Padres, who are also in action.
New York’s Dillon Gee (1-1) received his first big-league loss despite pitching well over seven innings. The rookie right-hander was touched for six hits and three runs as the Mets fell to 5-4 on a 10-game homestand.