Santana strong in return as Mets slip past Braves

Johan Santana made a successful return to the mound as the New York Mets extended their Opening Day dominance with a 1-0 win over the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field.

Santana gave up two hits with two walks and five strikeouts over five innings in his first start since beating the Braves on September 2, 2010. He missed all of last season while recovering from left shoulder surgery.

David Wright singled home the game's only run in the sixth inning off Atlanta starter Tommy Hanson (0-1).

The Mets improved to 33-18 in season openers, the best winning percentage (.647) in baseball history.