An unexpectedly rousing effort from Jon Niese in the nightcap Saturday enabled the Mets to split a doubleheader with the Braves after the bullpen had blown a win for Johan Santana in Game 1. Colleague Joel Sherman writes after watching the relievers work in Game 1 that Jerry Manueldoesn’t have much faith in his flammable ‘pen.

At least Manuel could smile about Niese’s calm, cool and collected performance.

In the notebook, Carlos Beltranhad a double and a home run in the Game 2 win. There are also items on Castillo and Chipper Jones.