Brian McCann drives in 4 runs, Jurrjens, Braves shut out Mets 11-0 to reach .500

Jurrjens, Braves blank Mets, 11-0

ATLANTA — Brian McCann drove in four runs in the first three innings, Jair Jurrjens combined with three relievers on a two-hitter and the Atlanta Braves beat the New York Mets 11-0 on Friday night.

Jurrjens (8-7) gave up both hits and two walks in six innings after the Braves retired the No. 31 worn by former ace Greg Maddux. Boone Logan, Luis Valdez and Kris Medlen each pitched an inning after Jurrjens left.

The slumping Mets lost Gary Sheffield to a right leg injury in the fifth inning and were shut out for the sixth time in 22 games since All-Star outfielder Carlos Beltran went on the disabled list, going 8-14. The Mets have scored a major league-low 68 runs in that span.

Sheffield pulled up and grabbed the back of his right thigh after catching up to a double hit by Yunel Escobar in the fifth inning. He dropped the ball and leaned over while center fielder Angel Pagan threw the ball back to the infield.

Sheffield declined a ride but walked slowly off the field favoring his right leg. There was no immediate report on his status.

The Mets already are without outfielders Beltran and Fernando Martinez, first baseman Carlos Delgado, shortstop Jose Reyes, starting pitcher John Maine and relievers J.J. Putz and Billy Wagner due to injuries.

McCann hit a two-run double in the first and a two-run homer in the third as the Braves led 10-0 after five innings. Martin Prado homered in the third.

McCann finished with three of Atlanta’s 14 hits. The Braves set a season high with nine extra-base hits and equaled their season best with seven doubles.

Mike Pelfrey (7-5) gave up nine hits and a career-high nine earned runs in 4 1-3 innings. Pelfrey gave up nine runs, including eight earned, in an 11-6 loss at Pittsburgh on June 4.

With their second straight win over the Mets, the Braves (45-45) moved back to .500 for the first time since June 12.

Escobar had three hits and three RBIs. He drove in McCann with a single in the first and added a two-run double in the fifth.

Ryan Church made his first start against his former team since he was traded to Atlanta for Jeff Francoeur and cash last Friday. The right fielder went 1 for 4 and made a sliding catch on Omir Santos’ line drive to end the fifth inning.

Francoeur went 0 for 3 for New York.

The start of the game was pushed back about 15 minutes due to the pregame ceremony for Maddux.

NOTES: Maddux and his 12-year-old son, Chase, threw out the first pitches. … Braves LHP Mike Gonzalez, who was diagnosed with left elbow tendinitis last week, said inflammation has moved to his forearm. He hopes to be able to pitch by Sunday. … With his first-inning walk, Atlanta’s Chipper Jones has 1,298 for his career, passing Hank Aaron for second place on the franchise list. Eddie Mathews is the leader with 1,376. … Attendance was 50,704, a sellout and a season high at Turner Field.