Mets push Braves to brink of elimination

Atlanta's playoff hopes almost gone after 4-2 loss

New York Mets' Eric Campbell, left, beats the throw to Atlanta Braves' Phil Gosselin to steal second base in the second inning of a baseball game on Saturday in Atlanta. - photo by David Goldman

0921 Braves1 — New York Mets' Eric Campbell, left, beats the throw to Atlanta Braves' Phil Gosselin to steal second base in the second inning of a baseball game on Saturday in Atlanta. - photo by David Goldman

ATLANTA — The slumping Atlanta Braves were shut down by Jonathon Niese and lost 4-2 to the New York Mets on Saturday night, damaging their flickering playoff hopes. Atlanta has lost seven of eight to drop to 4-13 in September. Any combination of two Pittsburgh wins or Atlanta losses will eliminate the Braves from the NL wild-card race.

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