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Hoping to keep pace, Mets visit Braves

Sep 19, 2008 - 10:17 AM NY Mets (85-67) at Atlanta (67-86) 7:35 p.m. EDT

ATLANTA (Ticker) -- The New York Mets look to continue their push to the postseason on Friday when they meet the Atlanta Braves.

Trying to avoid a collapse for a second straight season, the Mets have benefited from the Milwaukee Brewers' (84-69) shortcomings and currently lead the National League wild card by 1 1/2 games. New York also trails the red-hot Philadelphia Phillies (86-67) by one-half game in the NL East.

The Mets will turn to Oliver Perez (10-7, 4.09 ERA, who needs to be a key part of their stretch run.

The oft-maligned lefthander has been solid since the All-Star break, not losing since August 3. Perez allowed two runs over seven innings against Atlanta on Sunday, but had his win denied when New York's bullpen blew its 27th lead of the season in a 7-4 loss.

Atlanta will counter with Jo-Jo Reyes (3-11, 5.50), who is looking for his first win since June 13.

The young lefthander has lost seven straight decisions and is coming off the shortest outing of the season on Saturday. Reyes gave up four runs and five hits over two innings in a loss to the Mets.

The Braves, who are coming off a three-game sweep at the hands of the Phillies, have won nine of the 15 meetings between the teams. Atlanta has won all six contests against New York at Turner Field.