"Plenty of people doubted whether Nate McLouth would make any impact again for the Braves after being sent to the minors in July. But not McLouth.

The center fielder said he really believed he could come back strong and contribute to the Braves' postseason drive, which is precisely what he's doing. Man, is he ever.

McLouth had an RBI double and a decisive home run in the Braves' 4-2 win against the New York Mets on Saturday. The Braves led the National League wild-card race by 1 1/2 games, pending the outcome of San Francisco's late game Saturday.

"It's very satisfying, especially when every game means so much," said McLouth, who has hit .367 with three homers and 10 RBIs in 12 games since being recalled from Triple-A, with only one strikeout in 30 at-bats.

"If you're going to contribute, this is certainly the time."

Tim Hudson (16-8) snapped a three-start losing streak, and Alex Gonzalez added two doubles and two RBIs for the Braves, who are 2-0 to begin a nine-game trip that includes a highly anticipated series in Philadelphia starting Monday.

The Braves were 2 1/2 games behind streaking Philadelphia in the NL East standings, pending the outcome of the Phillies' game against Washington."