Gosselin laments error that allowed four-run fifth inning

NEW YORK -- Despite the fact that they have mixed and matched their lineup at various positions through the season's first two weeks, the Braves have proven to be one of the game's best defensive clubs.

But manager Fredi Gonzalez's decision to start Phil Gosselin at second base on Tuesday night proved costly as the utility infielder committed an error that helped the Mets roll toward a 7-1 win.

"Goose is going to go back and not sleep real well because he makes that play every single time," Gonzalez said. "It's just one of those things where maybe he hadn't been out there in a while and got a little jumpy."

Making just his third start of the season and first appearance since handling third base duties throughout last Wednesday's loss to the Marlins, Gosselin watched the Mets tally three runs after he botched Jon Niese's routine double play grounder during a four-run fifth inning.

"I think I'm going to make that play every time it's hit to me," Gosselin said. "Unfortunately, it didn't happen today. I think I just tried to throw it before I caught it a little bit. I just tried to be too quick. It's a play I'm confident I'm going to make. It just didn't happen tonight."

Gosselin's miscue, just the second error charged to the Braves this season, set the stage for Curtis Granderson to follow with a two-run single. Trevor Cahill, who had retired 12 of the 14 batters he faced through the first four innings, exited moments later after Juan Lagares capped the four-run fifth with a RBI single.

Jace Peterson began the season as Atlanta's primary second baseman. But the rookie infielder has recorded just seven hits through his first 33 at-bats. Gosselin had made his only previous start at second base on April 10, when he delivered a game-winning, eighth-inning single against the Mets.