(Sports Network) - The New York Mets probably don't care how they get into the playoffs after last year's collapse, they just want to get there. Out of first place in the National League East but on top of the Wild Card standings, New York wraps up a three-game set with the Atlanta Braves this afternoon at Turner Field.

New York blew a seven-game lead in the NL East with 17 games to play last year and missed out on the postseason. Friday's win in Atlanta moved the Mets a half-game in front of Philadelphia for first place in the NL East, but the clubs switched spots again yesterday after New York lost to the Braves, 4-2, and the Phillies topped the Marlins.

The Mets do lead the race for the Wild Card by 2 1/2 games over Milwaukee.

Atlanta got to Pedro Martinez early, and he took the loss after allowing four runs on nine hits over six innings. He also was New York's main offensive force, connecting on a two-run double as the Mets had a three-game winning streak halted.

Things don't get easier for the Mets after their road finale today. New York will play its final seven games at home, but that includes four against the NL Central-champion Chicago Cubs.

The Mets have also lost 10 of 17 this year to the Braves, who will miss the postseason for a second straight year after winning the NL East for 11 straight seasons.

New York starts Mike Pelfrey today and the 24-year-old righty has been one of its most consistent pitchers this year.

Pelfrey is 0-2 over his last four starts but is pitching to a 3.51 earned run average in that span, having allowed two runs or fewer in each of his previous four outings.

He lost to Washington on Tuesday even though he gave up just a run over seven innings. However, Pelfrey got no support in a 1-0 loss and fell to 13-10 with a 3.67 ERA this year.

Pelfrey is 2-3 with a 5.74 ERA lifetime versus the Braves and just 1-2 with a 6.87 ERA in three starts in this year's series. However, his last outing against them was a complete-game winning effort.

James Parr, meanwhile, will continue to audition for a spot in Atlanta's 2009 rotation today.

The 22-year-old makes his fourth start and is 1-0 with a 2.20 ERA through the first three appearances of his career. Parr had tossed 12 total shutout innings over his first two outings -- including a win over Washington on September 4 -- but was tagged for four runs on 10 hits over 4 1/3 innings of a no-decision versus the Phils on Tuesday.

He has never faced the Mets.

Josh Anderson had three hits, an RBI and two stolen bases for Atlanta in yesterday's two-run win, while Jorge Campillo held the Mets to two runs on five hits in six innings to help his club halt a four-game slide.

Braves second baseman Kelly Johnson went 1-for-4 to extend his career-high hitting streak to 18 games. He is hitting .420 (29-for-69) on the run with two homers, 15 RBI and 14 runs scored.

Atlanta, which wraps a six-game homestand tonight before hitting the road for its final six games, played without Chipper Jones yesterday. Jones, who leads the majors with a .362 average, sat out with right shoulder inflammation.