ATLANTA -- Showing none of the command issues that plagued him in his previous two starts, Tommy Hanson (9-10) allowed just one hit over seven innings. The Braves claimed a 4-1 win over the NY Mets Wednesday before another low attending crowd of 19,938 at Turner Field.

Atlanta could gain no ground on the Phillies who beat the Dodgers today, 5-1. The Braves hold just a three-game lead on the two-time defending National League Champions.

The Braves entire run production Wednesday consisted of two runs in each of the first two innings off losing pitcher, Mike Pelfrey (13-8). Atlanta pounded out 11 hits to just two for the visitors.

Hanson looked nothing like the pitcher who had allowed 10 earned runs in the 10 innings over his previous two starts.

Manager Bobby Cox said the key to Hanson's success tonight was his ability to keep the ball down. Cox commented, "He made a lot of first pitch strikes, he kept the ball down so much better, and we made a couple of really nice plays for him in the outfield."

While producing a career-best four-hit game for the third time in a span of 11 days, Jason Heyward highlighted the offensive charge that helped Atlanta cruise to its fifth straight victory.

Cox said of Heyward, "He's just as hot as they come."

With Rick Ankiel catching just about everything in sight in center field, Hanson allowed just two baserunners to reach safely during his 96-pitch effort. He walked Chris Carter to begin the third inning, but then pitched around the one-out double that he gave up to David Wright in the fourth.

Hanson retired each of the final 11 batters he faced. Having been doomed by a lack of offensive support and the struggles that marred his previous two outings, this was the 24-year-old right-hander's first win since July 3.

Heyward, who has batted .533 (24-for-45) in his past 11 games, delivered a pair of doubles in the first two innings and helped the Braves gain an early four-run advantage against Pelfrey.

Showing his ability to lace balls the opposite way, Heyward delivered a first-inning double to right and then jogged home when Martin Prado followed with a two-run double.

The 21-year-old outfielder added another opposite-field double in the second that scored Omar Infante.

Infante added a three-hit performance that included an RBI single in the two-run second.

Ankiel began his two-hit performance with a one-out single in the second.

Ankiel's greatest contributions came courtesy of the nine outs he secured in center field. His finest catch came in the third, when he raced into right-center field and snared Ruben Tejada's long drive as he fell to the turf with his back to the infield.

Highly regarded prospect Freddie Freeman went hitless in three at-bats while making his Major League debut as the starting first baseman. He hit the ball well twice and struck out once. Freeman was denied a single in his first at-bat when his sharp grounder over second found Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada positioned behind second base.

The smiling 20-year admitted he had butterflies before he took the field. He received a loud ovation when he was introduced and he said he very much appreciated the fans support. Freeman said he was not aware that he was in the lineup for the game until he reached the ballpark. His father flew in from the west coast to attend his son's first game.

Cox said he felt Freeman had a nice debut hitting the ball hard and picking a ball out of the dirt. What's next for Freeman? "He'll play once in a while, pick up Derek (Lee), when he needs a day, and pinch hit and drive in the winning run once in awhile," added Cox (chuckling).

Highlights

Mets right fielder, Lucas Duda, also made his Major League debut going 0-for-3.

Former Lookouts lefty, Pedro Feliciano, appeared in his NL leading 70th game of the season.

Wagner, who picked up his 31st save of the year has 30 or move saves in eight seasons. He needs just eight to tie John Franco for the most saves by a left-handed pitcher.

Omar Infante, who was 3-for-4, raised his average to .346 but does not have enough at-bats to qualify for the hitting title.

Braves batters lead all NL teams with 527 walks this season. Going into tonight's game, Atlanta also led the NL in the team-on-base percentage at .342.

Box Score

The Braves have a chance for a four-game sweep of the Mets Thursday night when Tim Hudson (15-5) faces Johan Santana (10-9).
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Additional source from MLB.com

Tommy Hanson gave reason to believe that he is ready to help the Braves win their first division title since 2005.
- Photo2 by Tim Evearitt