Jason Heyward highlighted a six-run fourth inning with a three-run homer as the Atlanta Braves halted a brief two-game skid with a 6-4 victory over the New York Mets.

Omar Infante added a two-run double and Melky Cabrera had an RBI single for the Braves, who remained three games behind Philadelphia in the National League East but atop the standings in the wild-card race.

Atlanta, which had lost three of four, fell behind as New York received run-scoring singles from Lucas Duda, Jonathon Niese and Jose Reyes in the second inning for a 3-0 lead. But an error by Mets third baseman David Wright in the fourth opened the door for the Braves, who crashed through for six runs and never looked back.

After a leadoff single by Derrek Lee and a strikeout by Brian McCann, Wright made a throwing error on a grounder by Matt Diaz that could have been an inning-ending double play. Niese retired Alex Gonzalez on a pop-up but Cabrera followed with a single to get Atlanta on the board.

Niese walked counterpart Tommy Hanson to load the bases for Infante, who doubled down the third-base line to plate two and tie the game. Heyward then deposited a 1-2 pitch over the wall in right field for his 18th blast of the season and a 6-3 advantage.

Hanson (10-11) benefited from the outburst, winning for just the second time in eight decisions after allowing four runs and five hits in six innings. The 24-year old walked one and struck out four.

Three relievers bridged the gap to former Met Billy Wagner, who worked a perfect ninth for his 34th save in 41 opportunities.

Niese (9-9) lost for the fourth time in five decisions, surrendering six runs - all unearned - and five hits in four frames with three walks and four strikeouts.

Duda belted his first career homer for the Mets, who had won four in a row and five of six.