Ben Sheets pitched six scoreless innings in his first game in two years and the Atlanta Braves beat the New York Mets 6-1 on Sunday for their season-high seventh straight victory.

Freddie Freeman hit a three-run homer in a six-run fifth inning and Sheets (1-0) allowed two hits and one walk with five strikeouts in his first start since July 19, 2010.

The Mets have lost four straight and seven of 10. Atlanta improved to a season-high 10 games over .500.

Johan Santana (6-6) gave up eight hits, six runs, two walks and struck out three in five innings.

The Braves had placed just two runners in scoring position before Matt Diaz, who began the game hitting .514 in 35 career at-bats against Santana, doubled to lead off the fifth.