MLB

Braves batter Mets, 9-3

Freddie Freeman had five RBIs in the first two innings and the Atlanta Braves battered Johan Santana in his return from the disabled list, routing the sluggish New York Mets 9-3 on Saturday night.

Michael Bourn had three hits, Chipper Jones chased Santana with an RBI single in a seven-run second inning and Atlanta sent the two-time Cy Young Award winner to the worst start of his career.

Kris Medlen (3-1) pitched effectively into the seventh inning, striking out seven while improving to 2-0 since joining the rotation. A solid reliever most of the season, he has permitted one run in each of his three starts.

Santana (6-8) got only four outs. He was charged with eight hits – seven singles – and a season-high eight runs in his first outing since July 20.