MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Ryan Church hit a grand slam and Brian Schneider added a homer in a six-run first inning that provided all the offense the Mets needed to beat the Milwaukee Brewers 9-2 and complete a three-game sweep Wednesday.

Starter Oliver Perez (10-7) benefited from the highest-scoring first inning by the Mets in more than a year by scattering two runs off five hits and five walks and working out of several jams until leaving in the seventh.

New York's road to redemption after last year's seven-game collapse with 17 to play returns to Shea Stadium, where the Mets open an eight-game homestand Thursday beginning with Philadelphia, their closest pursuer in the NL East at 2 1/2 games back. The Phillies play Washington on Wednesday night.