Freddie Freeman went 3-for-5 - setting a franchise record for hits by a rookie - and scored the go-ahead run as the Atlanta Braves defeated the host New York Mets 6-5 Thursday in the first game of a doubleheader.

After stroking a two-run double to stake the Braves to an early lead, Freeman's second hit of the game - a single to shallow center field in the third inning - gave him 147 on the season. That broke the old Braves' record for hits by a first-year player set by Ron Gant in 1988.

Jason Heyward knocked him in with a bloop single to center as Atlanta went back in front for good, evening the season series with the Mets at seven wins apiece.

Mike Minor (5-2) surrendered a first-inning grand slam to Jason Bay but settled down from there to win his fifth straight decision. Minor allowed seven hits while walking one and striking out two.

Craig Kimbrel worked the ninth for his 43nd save, extending his major-league rookie record.

Mets starter Chris Schwinden (0-1), who was making his major-league debut, surrendered five runs on eight hits while walking one and striking out four.

Braves veteran Chipper Jones swatted his 452nd career home run, moving him into a tie with Carl Yastrzemski for 33rd on the all-time list. Jones finished 2-for-5 for his third straight multi-hit game.