ATLANTA — David Ross hit his first career grand slam to cap a seven-run inning made possible by Luis Castillo's error, and the Atlanta Braves routed the New York Mets 9-2 on Tuesday night.

The Mets scored two runs in the fifth off rookie Mike Minor (3-0), but the 2-1 lead didn't last long. In the bottom half, the Braves knocked out Jonathon Niese (8-7), taking advantage of Castillo's blunder.

The second baseman let a likely double-play grounder slip between his legs, and the Braves made New York pay big time. Jason Heyward followed with a two-run double, Alex Gonzalez had an RBI single and Ross cleared the bases.

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