MLB: NY Mets 3, Atlanta 0

ATLANTA, May 23 (UPI) -- David Wright continued his home run binge Wednesday, backing up the shutout pitching of Oliver Perez as the New York Mets blanked Atlanta 3-0.

Perez has defeated the Braves three times this season and his win Wednesday boosted the Mets' lead over Atlanta in the National League East to 2 1/2 games. Perez improved to 6-3 while allowing four hits in seven innings.

Joe Smith worked the eighth and Billy Wagner came on to earn his 11th save. The three pitchers teamed on a five-hitter.

Wright's homer was a solo shot in the fifth, giving New York a 3-0 lead. He has hit four home runs in his last four games to run his total for the year to eight.