By NOLAN SILBERNAGEL PIX11.com WPIX-LTV

4:06 a.m. AKDT, June 15, 2011
QUEENS, N.Y. (WPIX)—
The Mets were able to stave off a late rally from the Atlanta Braves last night and were able to record the victory, 4-3.

New York was up 4-1 before their NL East rivals put up runs in the seventh and eighth innings. Francisco Rodriguez was able to seal the win with his 19th save of the season.

John Niese pitched very well as he only gave up two runs in 6 1/3 innings to pick up his sixth win of the season. After starting the season poorly by going 0-2 with a 6.88 ERA, Niese has rebounded nicely and is now 4-1 with a 1.58 ERA in his last six starts.

"I'm going to ride this wave right now," he said, "and when the bad times start coming, I've got to find a way to battle."

Shortstop Jose Reyes was once again the spark plug for the Mets' offense last night. Reyes led off the first and third innings with singles and stolen bases. His teammates eventually knocked him in to score the deciding runs.

The Mets moved into third place with the win and are now 7-3 in their last ten games.