ATLANTA — Over the past three decades, the Braves have emerged as the primary nemesis for the Mets, with notable figures like Chipper Jones, Freddie Freeman, and Matt Olson leading the charge. For even the finest teams New York has fielded during this period, the Braves have consistently been the ultimate challenge.
Just two years ago, the Mets traveled to Atlanta for their second-to-last regular season series, needing only one victory to seize control of the National League East. They fell short. Buoyed by an outstanding series from Olson and a stellar showing from Atlanta’s bullpen, the Braves completed a sweep, leaving the Mets with a Wild Card spot and an early exit from the playoffs.
This season, the Mets, armed with much of the same offensive lineup, are eager to seek retribution as they prepare to face the Braves in a three-game series starting Tuesday at Truist Park.
“It feels like we’ve been playing playoff-level games recently, and we should approach this series with the same mindset,” Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo commented. “Going into their place, it’s bound to be a high-energy atmosphere resembling the playoffs, and it’s going to be thrilling.”
As this series unfolds, it’s the Braves facing the most pressure. Even though they have claimed victory in four of their last five matches, Atlanta finds itself two games behind in the NL Wild Card race. To keep their fate in their own hands heading into the final weekend, they must sweep the Mets. Additionally, the Braves are contending without essential players Ronald Acuña Jr., Austin Riley, and Spencer Strider, all of whom are sidelined for the remainder of the regular season.
Nevertheless, the Mets also have vulnerabilities, despite having a relatively stronger position than their adversaries. They are missing crucial player Francisco Lindor and are only three losses away from finding themselves in a predicament similar to 2022, where they would need assistance in their final three games to achieve their objectives.
When are the games and how can I watch?
The game schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, 7:20 p.m. ET
Wednesday, 7:20 p.m. ET
Thursday, 7:20 p.m. ET
All three contests will be telecast on SNY in the New York region and Bally Sports South in Atlanta.
destiny. This is the sole situation where the Mets would require assistance from other teams during the final weekend of the season.
The team that emerges victorious from this series will also secure the overall season series against their divisional rivals. This victory would provide them with the tiebreaker advantage in case their regular season standings end up tied.
What occurred during the previous matchups between these two teams this season?
This marks their fourth encounter this season. In April, the Mets won two of three games in Atlanta, highlighted by a spectacular 16-run offensive performance in the last game. In May, the Braves claimed two of three in New York, with the Mets winning the final game dramatically in a walk-off. In July, the teams split a four-game series held in Queens.
the Mets and Braves have each won five of their ten meetings, which contributes to the significance of this upcoming series.
Why is winning the head-to-head season series important?
Since MLB transitioned to its current postseason format in 2022, it eliminated Game 163 tiebreakers. Therefore, having a head-to-head tiebreaker can be crucial in determining whether a team plays into October or finishes just short.
What do the pitching rotations look like for this series?
The Mets will send out Luis Severino, David Peterson, and Sean Manaea. They moved Severino up in the rotation to pitch the opener on Tuesday, ensuring he will also be available for Game 162, should it hold significance for their playoff ambitions.
In response, the Braves will utilize Spencer Schwellenbach, Chris Sale, and Max Fried in that sequence. Sale’s fastball recorded lower than 90 mph during the latter part of his five-inning performance against the Reds on Thursday. This may have prompted the decision to provide him an extra day of rest instead of having him line up for Tuesday’s game, which would keep the option open for his regular season finale start, if needed, on full rest.
Phillies: 18 1/3 innings, five earned runs (2.45 ERA)
Dodgers: Six innings, two earned runs (3.00 ERA)
Padres: Seven innings, one earned run (1.29 ERA)
Mets: Seven innings, zero earned runs
Brewers and D-backs: No starts
What does the recent history look like between these two teams at Truist Park?
However, the most significant story revolves around September 2022, when the Mets arrived at Truist Park only needing one win to practically clinch the NL East. Instead, the Braves swept them, regaining control of the division and sending the Mets into a tailspin. New York hopes to turn the tables and repay the favor this week.
Are there any significant injuries to report?
The Mets are optimistic about Francisco Lindor’s return, following a lower-back injury he suffered on September 13 in Philadelphia. Last Thursday, Lindor received a facet joint injection and has been steadily increasing his baseball activities since then. However, it remains uncertain how effective he will be upon his return—and whether he can play this week. He mentioned on Sunday that he anticipates playing with some pain for the remainder of the season.
Additionally, Kodai Senga has been ruled out for the rest of the regular season due to inflammation in his triceps. The Mets initially held out hope that Senga could pitch an inning or two against the Braves this month, but that scenario is no longer viable.
The Braves are facing their own injury challenges, having lost Spencer Strider after only one healthy start and Ronald Acuña Jr. after two months. Six members of their original lineup, including Strider, have been sidelined for a minimum of two months this season. Ozzie Albies has just returned from a fractured left wrist, although he is currently batting exclusively from the right side. Riley hopes to make a comeback in October if the Braves qualify for the postseason.
How fresh is each bullpen?
Watch for Edwin Díaz, who received a significant contract extension over the weekend. He pitched four outs on Saturday and followed that with another six outs on Sunday. Although Díaz plans to be ready for the series opener in Atlanta, the Mets may opt to give him a day off to prevent overexertion. The other members of the bullpen, however, should be available to contribute.
The Braves also used their closer, Raisel Iglesias, for one inning on Saturday (15 pitches) and for two innings on Sunday (28 pitches). The off-day on Monday should provide needed rest for their top setup options—Pierce Johnson, who pitched for a third consecutive day on Sunday, and Joe Jiménez, who appeared for the third time in four days on Saturday.
Is there anything else fans should be aware of?
While Acuña will not be participating, his younger brother Luisangel will take the field. The siblings have many family members attending the series and plan to exchange jerseys before one of the games. Since Lindor’s injury, Luisangel has become a vital asset for the Mets, boasting a batting average of .379 and an OPS of 1.228 as the team’s everyday shortstop.
Although Matt Olson initially struggled, he currently ranks first among NL players and fourth among all MLB players with a 1.006 OPS since July 31. The first baseman is just one home run away from joining Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso as the only players to hit over 30 home runs in each of the full 162-game seasons since 2019.
# High Stakes Showdown: Mets and Braves Clash for Playoff Control
### Overview of the Mets vs. Braves Rivalry
The New York Mets and Atlanta Braves rivalry is one of the most intense in Major League Baseball (MLB). With both teams vying for playoff positioning, every matchup becomes a high-stakes showdown. As the season progresses, the outcome of these games has significant implications for postseason control.
### Current Standings and Playoff Implications
As of now, both teams are in fierce competition for a wild card spot in the National League. Here’s a brief overview of their standings:
| Team | Wins | Losses | Winning Percentage | Games Behind |
|————–|——|——–|——————–|————–|
| New York Mets| 76 | 68 | .528 | 5.0 |
| Atlanta Braves| 80 | 64 | .556 | — |
**Key Points**:
– The Braves currently lead the Mets by a narrow margin.
– Every game in this series can impact playoff seedings and wild card implications.
### Head-to-Head Matchup
Throughout the season, the Mets and Braves have faced off numerous times, each game tightly contested. Their head-to-head record this year will play a crucial role in determining playoff spots. Check out the recent matchups:
| Date | Location | Winner | Score |
|————|—————–|—————|——-|
| June 15 | Citi Field | Braves | 5-3 |
| July 22 | Truist Park | Mets | 7-5 |
| August 11 | Citi Field | Braves | 4-2 |
| September 1| Truist Park | Mets | 6-4 |
### Players to Watch
#### New York Mets
– **Pete Alonso**: Known for his power hitting, Alonso has been a key player for the Mets. With his ability to hit home runs in clutch situations, he is always a threat against the Braves’ pitching staff.
– **Jacob deGrom**: The ace of the Mets’ rotation, deGrom has the capability to dominate games. His performance against the Braves can be a game-changer.
#### Atlanta Braves
– **Freddie Freeman**: The veteran first baseman is a consistent performer at the plate. His leadership and experience can guide the Braves in tough situations.
– **Max Fried**: As one of the Braves’ top pitchers, Fried’s ability to control the game on the mound is crucial for Atlanta’s success against the Mets.
### Strategies for Success
#### For the Mets
1. **Strong Pitching**: Leveraging their top pitchers like deGrom is essential. The Mets need to minimize runs and dominate early in games.
2. **Utilizing Power Hitting**: Capitalizing on home-run opportunities could be the key to outscoring the Braves.
#### For the Braves
1. **Solid Defense**: The Braves should focus on minimizing errors in the field, especially against a power-hitting team like the Mets.
2. **Aggressive Base Running**: Taking advantage of the Mets’ slower outfielders can lead to scoring opportunities and pressure on the Mets’ pitching.
### Fan Experience at the Games
Attending a Mets vs. Braves game is not just about baseball; it’s a celebration of rivalry. Here are some practical tips for fans:
- **Arrive Early**: Beat the traffic and enjoy pre-game activities.
– **Dress in Team Colors**: Show your support! Wearing your team’s colors fuels the atmosphere.
– **Engage with Other Fans**: The camaraderie with fellow fans enhances the experience.
– **Stay Hydrated and Fueled**: Don’t forget to grab snacks and drinks to keep your energy up throughout the game.
### Potential Outcomes and Predictions
The outcome of these crucial matchups can lead to various playoff scenarios:
– **If the Mets Sweep the Series**: They would significantly improve their playoff chances and potentially leapfrog into a wild card spot.
– **If the Braves Win Two Out of Three**: This would solidify their position and put them in a stronger playoff position.
### Case Studies: Previous Seasons Impact
In past seasons, the outcome of the Mets and Braves series has often shaped the playoff landscape. For example:
– **2015**: The Mets faced off against the Braves during a crucial late-season series where the Mets’ sweep helped them clinch the NL East title.
– **2019**: A late-season clash saw the Braves overcome the Mets, securing their playoff spot while knocking the Mets out of contention.
### First-Hand Experience
As a baseball fan, attending a Mets vs. Braves game is electric. The atmosphere, combined with the tension of a playoff race, creates an experience like no other. The sound of the crowd, the anticipation of each pitch, and the thrill of a home run make every moment unforgettable.
### Final Thoughts
The matchup between the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves is not just another series; it is a battle for playoff control. With both teams desperate for wins and fans rallying behind them, this high-stakes showdown promises to be one for the history books. Fans, players, and analysts alike will be on the edge of their seats as the drama unfolds on the diamond.
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