Leiter Brightens Picture for Mets by Beating Braves

Al Leiter didn’t allow a baserunner for the first 5 1/3 innings and outpitched Tom Glavine as the New York Mets, in desperate need of a win, beat the Braves, 6-3, Wednesday night at Atlanta.

Edgardo Alfonzo, Todd Zeile and Mike Piazza hit solo homers as the Mets avoided a three-game sweep and won for just the third time in their last 23 games at Turner Field.

“It’s a good win. It boils down to getting over that losing mentality and getting on a winning streak,” Leiter said.

Leiter (16-7) also prevented Glavine (19-9) from becoming the majors’ first 20-game winner.

St. Louis 11, Houston 6--The Cardinals became the first team to clinch a playoff spot, winning the National League Central at St. Louis.

The game was highlighted by a grand slam by Jim Edmonds in the third inning. Edmonds has a career-high 41 homers.

San Francisco 4, Cincinnati 2--Barry Bonds’ 493rd homer splashed into McCovey Cove, and Russ Ortiz threw six hitless innings as the Giants clinched at least a tie for the National League West title.

San Diego 15, Colorado 11--Dave Magadan and Mike Darr each had four RBIs for the Padres at Denver.

Milwaukee 3, Chicago 2--First baseman Mark Grace misplayed Geoff Jenkins’ grounder for an error in the bottom of the 10th inning at Milwaukee, scoring Ron Belliard.

Pittsburgh 7, Philadelphia 6--The Pirates got a homer from Emil Brown in the 10th and a two-run shot from Adam Hyzdu and held off the Phillies.

Montreal 4, Florida 2--Vladimir Guerrero hit his 42nd homer as the Expos won at Montreal.