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Mets go for sweep against Braves

Aug 21, 2008 - 10:18 AM Atlanta (56-71) at NY Mets (70-57) 7:10 p.m. EDT

FLUSHING, New York (Ticker) -- The New York Mets have become a run-scoring machine in the first inning during their ascent to first place in the National League East.

Winners of eight of nine, the Mets have scored first-inning runs in seven of those games and look to continue their quick strikes when they go for a sweep against the Atlanta Braves on Thursday.

New York, which has scored 16 runs in the opening frame over the span, jumped to a 5-0 lead after the first inning on Wednesday en route to a 6-3 victory.

Pedro Martinez (4-3, 4.96) takes the mound for the Mets after his best outing of the year. The veteran righthander pitched seven strong innings, allowing one run, eight hits and a walk, striking out four on August 16 against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 7-4 win.

The three-time Cy Young winner is 1-1 with a 2.59 ERA in his four starts since returning to the Mets after the passing of his father in late July.

The Mets' lead in the NL East is 1 1/2 games over the Philadelphia Phillies (68-58), who dealt the Washington Nationals their 12th straight defeat, 4-0, on Wednesday.

Braves starter Mike Hampton (2-1, 6.92) is coming off a quality start. The lefthander allowed two runs and seven hits over six innings. He walked two and struck out four in the Braves' 11-5 win over the San Francisco Giants on August 16.

Atlanta has lost eight of nine to fall a season-low 15 games under .500 (56-71).