The Tomahawk Times - Mets rough up Smoltz, take finale 6-3

NEW YORK -- The New York Mets took advantage of another struggling Atlanta Braves starting pitcher, taking two out of three in the wekend series by touching up John Smoltz for four runs on their way to a 6-3 victory on Sunday.

Smoltz (3-2) never really got on track against the Mets on a nippy day at Shea Stadium. New York was able to score twice as many runs over four innigns against Smoltz as opponents had in his perivous four starts this season. Smoltz allowed four runs on seven hits while walking two and striking out five.

After the Mets manufactured a run in the first inning to take a 1-0 lead, a second inning homer off the bat of catcher Raul Casanova spread that lead to 2-0. Carlos Delgado added the first of his two homer shots on the day in the third.

Delgado had struggled mightely coming into the series, having collected just four hits in 46 at-bats since April 13. His 2-for-2 day included the two homers and a pair of walks to help get his average up to .205 for the season.

The Braves fought back against Nelson Figueroa (2-1) in the sixth. Mark Teixeira stroked an RBI double and scored on Mark Kotsay 's single two batters later to make it 4-2. Atlanta scored once more in the frame when Brent Lillibridge grounded out to plate Kotsay.

New York added two insurance runs off Atlanta reliever Will Ohman. David Wright singled home Luis Castillo in the bottom half of the sixth to make it 5-3. Delgado added his secnod homer of the day the following inning to spread the margin of victory to 6-3.

Figueroa lasted five and a third innings and was charged with all three Atlanta runs that scored in the sixth. The journeyman right-hander allowed seven hits and walked three while striking out three in picking up the rubber match victory.

Atlanta played their second straight game without both Chipper Jones, who sat out wiht back spasms and Yunel Escobar, who was struck on the hand during a bunt attempt in Friday's game, in the starting line-up. Kotsay, Teixeira and Jeff Francoeur each had two hits in a losing effort for the Braves.

Billy Wagner registered his second save of the series, but was finally touched up for a hit, Matt Diaz came off the bench and singled in the ninth before Wagner retired the side.

On Deck: The Braves continue the roadtrip with a series in Washington against the Nationals. Atlanta will enjoy an off-day on Monday before beginning game one of an abbreviate two game set commences on Tuesday. Tom Glavine is scehduled to come off the 15-day DL and start for Atlanta, facing Tim Redding of the Nationals. Game time is set for 7:10 PM EST.