MLB: New York Mets 12, Atlanta 2

ATLANTA, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- David Wright drove in five runs with two homers Friday and the New York Mets pounded out 20 hits in mauling Atlanta 12-2.

The Braves were shoved to the brink of elimination in the National League East pennant race and also saw their lead in the wild card chase reduced to 3 1/2 games over St. Louis.

Wright hit a two-run homer as part of a four-run first inning and then added a three-run shot in the fourth.

Lucas Duda had four of the 20 hits and scored three times, helping the Mets end a six-game losing streak. New York's longest skid of the season has been seven games, which the Mets endured in the first month of the campaign.

Chris Capuano (11-12) collected the easy victory, allowing two runs on six hits in five-plus innings. Derek Lowe (9-15) was roughed up for six runs on nine hits in 2 1/3 to take the loss.

Atlanta has seen its once firm grasp on the wild card berth loosened due to five losses in seven games.