Smoltz outduels Glavine during rare matchup

ATLANTA – The biggest moment for John Smoltz in his matchup with former teammate and golfing buddy, Tom Glavine, came in the fourth inning.

The Atlanta Braves were leading 2-1, but the New York Mets had the bases loaded with two outs and Glavine at the plate.

Smoltz got Glavine out on a pop to third and the Braves went on to a 5-3 win Saturday, handing the Mets their first loss of the season.

“I honestly didn’t want to face him in that situation. That’s for the rest of your life smack-talk right there,” said Smoltz, who exchanged words with Glavine following the out, but did not reveal what he said.

It was the second time Smoltz had faced Glavine after 15 years as teammates and golf buddies. The Atlanta right-hander also won on July 15, 2005, but wasn’t ready to give himself bragging rights.

“No. It’s not necessary. I think bragging rights depend on who wins the division and goes to the World Series,” he said.

Smoltz (1-0) went six innings and allowed two runs, seven hits, walked four and struck out four. Bob Wickman got Shawn Green to line out to first with runners on second and third to pick up his second save.

Glavine (1-1) pitched 5 1/3 innings and was hurt by his defense. The left-hander gave up five runs – two earned – four hits, walked three and struck out two. He fell to 3-10 against the Braves, since signing a free-agent contract with the Mets in 2003.

“It was a matchup as advertised,” said Atlanta manager Bobby Cox. “Both threw great. We were lucky to get more than one run off Glavine.”

Glavine said he never thought about the matchup with Smoltz during the game.

“When you’re out there pitching and trying to win the game, it’s difficult to think about that. It’s a little more difficult if it’s a friend out there. But once the game starts, that’s out the window,” he said.

“It was vintage Glavine,” said Smoltz. “We got a couple of bloop hits and there was a misplay in the outfield. If it weren’t for that, we might still be playing.”

It was the 194th win for Smoltz, who also has 154 saves. Glavine has 291 career wins.

Both clubs are 4-1. The Mets took the series opener Friday night 11-1.

The Braves batted around and scored three runs – two unearned – in the sixth to take a 5-2 lead.

Andruw Jones led off the inning with a double and went to third on a sharp single to right by Jeff Francoeur. One out later Glavine walked Craig Wilson to load the bases. Matt Diaz hit a sacrifice fly to right that Green dropped.