Article:The Tomahawk Times - Francoeur, Braves shell Pelfrey, Mets 11-4

ATLANTA -- A night off made a world of difference for Jeff Francoeur. The Atlanta Braves right fielder belted his first homer since April 12 and fell a double short of the cycle as the Braves won their third in a row over the stumbling New York Mets, 11-4 on Wednesday at Turner Field.

The bats really went to work in the middle innings, piling up a total of nine runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh in support of Jair Jurrjens. Francoeur homered in the sixth and drove home four runs on the evening.

Other hitting stars included surging first baseman Mark Teixeira, who went 3-for-5 with a pair of runs scored and three RBI. Brian McCann also enjoyed a three hit night while driving home a pair with a third inning double.

Jurrjens (5-3) picked up his second victory over the Mets this season, going seven innings and allowing just two runs, only one earned on five hits while walking two and striking out one.

Chipper Jones went 1-for-2 to raise his average slightly to .410 and belted his 12th homer of the season, but was forced to leave in the eight inning after being hit in the right shin by Mets reliever Scott Schoeneweis.

New York starter Mike Pelfrey (2-5) was saddled with the loss, unable to record and out in a three-run fifth inning. Pelfrey allowed six runs on eight hits and three walks in four innings.

The Mets (22-22) came into the series tied for second in the National League East, while the Braves (25-21) entered in fourth. After three straight wins by the Braves, the two teams have swapped places in the standings. Atlanta now trails the Florida Marlins by one and a half games.

On Deck: Tim Hudson will match up with Mets ace left-hander Johan Santana as the Braves look for the sweep in the fourth and final game of this series. Game time is set for 7:10 PM EST.