MLB: Atlanta 3, New York Mets 1

ATLANTA, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Atlanta's Kris Medlen struck out nine over seven dominating innings Tuesday and the Atlanta Braves stifled the New York Mets 3-1.

Medlen (12-12) allowed one run on seven hits and didn't issue a walk in the 95-pitch effort, winning for the third time in three starts.

Scott Downs and Luis Ayala combined for a scoreless eighth and Craig Kimbrel nailed down the win with his 44th save as National League East-leading Atlanta clinched its three-game set.

Andrelton Simmons smacked a two-run homer and Evan Gattis added a solo shot to provide the Braves' scoring.

Mets starter Carlos Torres (3-3) yielded three runs on seven hits over seven full innings.

Daniel Murphy drove in New York's only run.