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Jul 11, 2010 - 1:43 AM By MIKE LIPKA STATS Writer

Atlanta (51-35) at New York (47-39), 1:10 p.m. EDT

The Atlanta Braves are using their final road trip before the All-Star break to make sure they feel plenty comfortable atop the NL East during their time off.

With a fifth straight victory Sunday, the Braves would have a six-game cushion entering the break, but they'll have to go through New York Mets ace Johan Santana to complete a three-game sweep at Citi Field.

Atlanta (52-35) won two of three at Philadelphia to begin this trip, and it has increased the second-place Mets' deficit in the division with victories in the first two games of this series.

"They're all important. The last one was important, the next one is important," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "It's good to be in first place going into the break."

Versatile All-Star Omar Infante has at least two hits in each game of the Braves' winning streak, including a 7-for-10 showing in New York. He was 3 for 5 with an RBI in Saturday's 4-0 win, which was powered by seven innings from All-Star right-hander Tim Hudson.

Another Braves All-Star, rookie outfielder Jason Heyward, remains on the disabled list with a thumb injury, and the Mets (47-40) also lost one of their All-Stars on Saturday.

Shortstop Jose Reyes, who has battled injuries for much of the last two years, left with an aggravated oblique strain after a difficult defensive play in the seventh inning. He's will miss Tuesday's All-Star game, and was replaced on the NL roster by former Brave and current Dodger Rafael Furcal.

"I tried to play through it," Reyes said. "I think the next couple of days, rest for me I think is going to help a lot."

New York's offense was already having problems, totaling three runs during its three-game losing streak.

Santana (6-5, 3.15 ERA) didn't need much offensive support Tuesday, pitching his first shutout since 2008 - a three-hitter in a 3-0 win over NL Central-leading Cincinnati. He also helped his own cause with his first career home run.

The left-hander went 1-3 with a 5.96 ERA in his final four June starts, but has allowed one run in 16 July innings.

"There's been a lot of talk the last month or two about -- 'Is he an ace anymore?'" outfielder Jeff Francoeur told the Mets' official website. "I think he showed that he's still a pretty good pitcher."

Santana has rarely struggled against the Braves, posting a 2.25 ERA nine career starts and completing seven innings in seven of them. He has struggled to pick up victories, though, getting minimal run support and going 1-5 against Atlanta.

Braves starter Derek Lowe (9-7, 4.40) can relate as he tries again to reach 10 wins before the All-Star break for the first time since 2003. Since winning his ninth game against Kansas City on June 18, he is 0-2 despite a 2.75 ERA in three starts.

He worked seven shutout innings in the Braves' 2-0 loss to the White Sox on June 24 and limited Philadelphia to two runs in seven innings Monday, but was outdueled by Roy Halladay in a 3-1 defeat.

Lowe didn't get much offense when he faced the Mets on May 17, pitching seven innings in a 3-2 loss. He won two of his three starts at Citi Field last year but posted a 7.63 ERA in those outings.