(Sports Network) - The NL East-leading New York Mets hope to carry the momentum of a successful road trip back to Flushing with them, as they kick off a seven-game homestand against the Atlanta Braves at Shea Stadium.

However, the Mets may have their work cut out for them, as they have lost seven of their nine matchups to their division rivals this season.

New York, though, will have left-hander Oliver Perez on the hill this evening. Perez will be facing Atlanta for the first time this season, but was 4-1 against the Braves a year ago with a 3.03 earned run average. He is 6-4 lifetime against Atlanta with a 3.39 ERA in 11 starts.

Perez won for the third time in his last four overall starts on Thursday in Washington, as he held the Nationals to three runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings to run his record to 9-7, while lowering his ERA to 3.91.

The Mets lost for the first time on their seven-game road trip on Monday, as they watched their bullpen cough up a two-run lead in a 5-2 setback to the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.

Pedro Feliciano (2-3) took the loss after giving up a run in only one-third of an inning.

Nick Evans went 2-for-3 with two doubles, while Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado each knocked in a run in the loss for the Mets, who hold a 1 1/2 game- edge on the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East.

Atlanta, meanwhile, also enters tonight's opener on a sour note after dropping three of four to the San Francisco Giants, including a 5-0 loss in Monday's finale at Turner Field.

Starter Jorge Campillo (7-6) took the loss, charged with seven hits and five runs over 6 2/3 innings while striking out two and walking one for the Braves, who have dropped seven of their last eight.

Heading to the hill tonight for the Braves will be lefty Jo-Jo Reyes, who was 3-9 with a 5.33 ERA before being sent down to Tripla-A Richmond. Reyes will be getting the start in place of Tom Glavine, who is expected to miss the rest of the year with an elbow injury.