Braves 9, Mets 3: Freddie Freeman blasted a three-run homer during a seven-run second inning and had five RBIs as visiting Atlanta cruised to its 14th victory in its past 17 games.

The Braves have won the first two games of the weekend series and are 24-8 since July 4. Freeman also had a two-run double in the first inning as Atlanta pounded New York starter Johan Santana in his first outing since returning from the disabled list.

Freeman’s double to right in the first scored Michael Bourn and Reed Johnson as the Braves jumped to a 3-0 lead. In the second, the Braves scored four runs off Santana (6-8) on RBI singles by starter Kris Medlen, Bourn, Jason Heyward and Chipper Jones.

Reliever Jeremy Hefner took over and allowed Freeman’s 14th homer of the season, a three-run shot to center that scored Heyward and Jones to put Atlanta ahead 9-0.

Santana lasted 1 1/3 innings, allowing eight hits and eight runs with one walk and two strikeouts.

Staked to the big lead, Medlen (3-1) cruised. The right-hander surrendered five hits and one run in 6 1/3 innings, walking one and striking out seven as Atlanta maintained its 4 1/2-game lead in the National League wild card standings.

Bourn finished 3-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Atlanta sent 10 hitters to the plate in the second inning. … Atlanta RHP Tommy Hanson, on the disabled list with a back injury, will pitch for Triple-A Gwinnett in a rehab assignment Monday. … The Mets sent LHP Garrett Olson to the minors to clear a roster spot for Santana.