Tuesday night's game between the Braves and Mets was called after a torrential downpour and a power outage had already delayed the game for a total of two hours and 38 minutes.

"Once you get them on the field, you want to play," Bobby Cox said. "These are more tiring than games.

The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Sept. 10 in Atlanta. While the Braves have an off-day on Sept. 9, the Mets will be playing an evening contest against the Phillies.

"It's the only compatible date," Cox said.

A rain storm that began just before 7 p.m. caused the start of Tuesday night's game to be delayed one hour and 11 minutes. When play resumed, the Mets scored a run on Mo Vaughn's RBI single off Braves starter Jason Marquis in the top of the first.

But before the Braves could begin batting in the bottom of the first inning, a power outage outside the stadium caused the loss of some lights. A 12-minute delay ensued before the teams could resume play.

The rains held off again until the top of the third when a storm pelted the field for one hour and 15 minutes before the game was officially called.

Mets starter Shawn Estes and Marquis will fall back into the regular rotation and make their next start when their turn comes again. Estes offered to work in the bullpen, but Mets Manager Bobby Valentine does not plan to utilize that option.

Greg Maddux (6-2) will oppose Pedro Astacio in Wednesday night's game. With two more games scheduled against each other this week, the first-place Braves hold a 2 1/2 game over the Mets in the NL East.

The last time a game in Atlanta was postponed was the second game of a doubleheader against the Pirates on July 5, 1994 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.

Mark Bowman covers the Braves for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.