"Jason Bay returned to the Mets' lineup last night -- and finally showed signs of life.

Bay, who hit sixth after sitting against the Braves' Jair Jurrjens on Tuesday -- had his first multi-hit game since May 29 in the Mets' 4-0 victory over the Braves at Turner Field.

"This was probably some of the best I've felt all year," said Bay, who went 2-for-4 and raised his average to .214. "I was playing more the aggressor and not so much defense, like I have been."

Manager Terry Collins -- who said before the game that it might not be the last time the left fielder's could be benched, depending on whom the Mets are facing -- said he still has confidence in Bay.

"When he starts feeling his stroke, obviously he's the left fielder here, hands down," Collins said of Bay, who has just two homers and 11 RBIs. "There should be no discussion about that."

One game doesn't mean Bay has found his stroke, and the discussion on his role will continue. But last night, he had a second inning single and stole second for his fifth stolen base of the season. He was stranded there and later flied to center in the fourth. He added a sharp single to left in the seventh.

Collins made it clear Bay was not entering a platoon situation.

"Just in certain cases," Collins said, referring to when he would look at Bay's numbers versus some starters. "I'm trying to get this guy going. I believe you've got to fight through it, but you've got to have some confidence on the field.""