Atlanta Braves Kris MedlenNEW YORK — Kris Medlen extended Atlanta’s scoreless streak to 31 innings for its best string in more than 20 years, and slumping catcher Brian McCann drove in four runs with four hits as the Braves beat the New York Mets 11-3 on a stormy Saturday.
A tornado touched down in Queens about 15 miles away several hours before the game. When the grounds crew struggled to control the billowing tarp before the first pitch, Braves reliever Jonny Venters pitched in to hold a flapping corner.
The winds were blowing at 26 mph with gusts up to 51 mph at the start. Dark, ominous clouds swept in later, causing a 75-minute rain delay after the sixth inning and prompting the public-address announcer to urge fans to take cover.
By then, the National League wild-card leaders had overwhelmed the Mets in their fourth straight win. McCann homered, doubled and tied a career high for hits and Dan Uggla kept up his recent resurgence at the plate with three hits and two walks, scoring three times.
Medlen (8-1) stretched several impressive streaks for himself and the Braves. He allowed four hits, left with an 8-2 lead after the rain and contributed a long RBI double.