New York ? Pedro Martinez’s 200th win meant a lot to the New York Mets for another reason: It came against Atlanta.

Martinez became the seventh current major-league pitcher with 200 victories, and New York edged the Braves, 4-3, Monday night in the first of 18 meetings this season between the NL East rivals.

“It’s a great accomplishment,” the slender Martinez said in front of a large banner commemorating his milestone. “This is probably one of the biggest things that’s happened in my career, because of how far I’ve come from the first day and all the doubts about my body type.”

Carlos Delgado and Xavier Nady each homered and drove in two runs for the Mets (10-2), who improved the best record in baseball and extended the fastest start in franchise history.

They did it without star center fielder Carlos Beltran, who sat out because of a tight right hamstring. New York also lost left fielder Cliff Floyd to a strained muscle in his rib cage.

Andruw Jones hit his fifth homer and second in two days for the Braves, missing injured third baseman Chipper Jones and shortstop Edgar Renteria.

Tagged by Delgado again, Jorge Sosa (0-3) lasted only four-plus innings.

Martinez (3-0) struck out eight in 62â3 innings, allowing three runs and six hits. He left to a loud ovation and waved his arms to the crowd of 36,867. The three-time Cy Young Award winner is 200-84, the fewest losses for any of the 103 pitchers with 200 wins.

Cardinals 2, Pirates 1

New York Mets Pedro Martinez reacts as he leaves the game against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning of their MLB baseball game, Monday, April 17, 2006 at Shea Stadium in New York.

Pittsburgh – Albert Pujols tied a major-league record with a home run in his fourth consecutive at-bat, Jason Marquis pitched eight innings of three-hit ball, and St. Louis won its third straight.

Reds 9, Marlins 1

Cincinnati – Adam Dunn hit his eighth homer, and Brandon Claussen pitched seven shutout innings, leading Cincinnati.

Padres 5, Rockies 2

Denver – Chris Young (2-0) pitched seven strong innings and added an RBI double, and Josh Barfield hit his first career homer to lift San Diego.

Astros 8, Brewers 7

Houston – Jason Lane hit a three-run homer, helping the Astros rally. Carlos Lee, Geoff Jenkins and Gabe Gross homered for Milwaukee.

Cubs 4, Dodgers 1

Los Angeles – Greg Maddux (3-0) threw eight innings of three-hit ball in his first start since his 40th birthday.

Giants 10, Diamondbacks 9

Phoenix – Mark Sweeney hit a tying two-run homer in the eighth, and Steve Finley hit a sacrifice fly in the ninth, lifting San Francisco over Arizona.