But that's where the similarities ended.

"It happened last night --- it wasn't going to happen again today," said Gonzalez, who struck out Carlos Beltran and Gary Sheffield with Reyes at third base to end the Braves' 8-7, 12-inning, series-clinching win at Citi Field.

Martin Prado's 12th-inning home run and Gonzalez's gritty performance helped lift the Braves to their third series win on a three-city trip that saw them finish with a 6-2 record to thrust themselves back into the thick of things in the standings.

"Huge win for us," said third baseman Chipper Jones, who had two doubles and two RBIs.

"After last night's game being such a downer, losing that one when you've fought so hard. ... To stay in this one and win it showed me a lot. Guys battled all day. Good win."

The Braves overcame a fourth-inning grand slam by the Mets' Fernando Tatis and another rocky start by Jo-Jo Reyes, who was charged with five runs and seven hits in three innings as his winless streak reached 18 starts.

"Jo-Jo had a rough day out there," said Braves manager Bobby Cox, who didn't know yet whether Reyes would be replaced in the rotation before another start.

If he is replaced, options presumably include prospects Charlie Morton, Tommy Hanson and Kris Medlen.

Of those, Morton is on the 40-man roster. Tom Glavine is not expected back from the disabled list before the last week of May.

For the moment, Cox just wanted to enjoy a victory cigar after a win that took nearly four hours and moved his Braves back to within 1 1/2 games of the first-place Mets in the National League East standings.

There was plenty to appreciate, with these just a few of the highlights:

* The Braves got three hits and three RBIs from Garret Anderson.

* They got a double, three walks and strong defense from Yunel Escobar.

* Center fielder Jordan Schafer made a terrific running catch at the wall.

* Seven relievers cranked out nine innings of work.

* Prado homered and also had a leadoff double and scored in the eighth.

"We played an unbelievable game, really," Cox said. "[Buddy] Carlyle threw one pitch, and it was a grand slam. I'd rather see that than walk 'em in."

Jeff Bennett walked Beltran with the bases loaded in the 10th Tuesday to give the Mets the win. Bennett was back in another crucial situation Wednesday, working the 10th and 11th innings without giving up a run.

No one, however, got as dramatic a taste of redemption as Gonzalez. He pitched in eight of the Braves' 12 games in May before Wednesday but wanted the ball again.

"Once [Reyes] got to second base, I said, 'There's no way he scores,'" Gonzalez said. "Our guys just worked too hard for me to let it happen again."

Jones was told of Gonzalez's remarks, and said, "I like to hear that out of my closer. He's out there watching us battle and battle and battle."