The New York Mets defeated the Atlanta Braves 8-7 in the first game of the doubleheader to clinch a playoff berth. It is their first playoff berth since 2022. The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the third inning when Second Baseman Ozzie Albies hit a two-run home run. Center Fielder Ramon Laureano added a solo shot to give the Braves a 4-0 lead after six innings at Truist Park. New York’s offense then came alive in the top of the eighth as the team scored six runs.
Atlanta responded with four runs in the bottom of the eighth to take a 7-6 lead into the ninth inning. The Mets scored two runs in the top of the ninth to seal the victory. It was a thrilling game the New York Mets were able to win and set them streaking into October.
New York Mets Offense Feasts Off Braves Bullpen
New York was stifled by Braves Starting Pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach. He has had the Mets number this season. He surrendered two earned runs over 21 innings of work while punching out 20 in his three starts against the team. The New York Mets offense exploded once Schwellenbach departed.
Atlanta Relief Pitcher Joe Jimenez surrendered three earned runs while not recording an out. Braves Closer Raisel Iglesias did not fare much better as he surrendered two earned runs over a third of an inning. Atlanta then sent Pierce Johnson to the mound to shut the door and he surrendered two earned runs in the top of the ninth to lose the game for the Braves. Shortstop Francisco Lindor hit a go-ahead home run in the top of the ninth to clinch a playoff berth for the New York Mets.
New York’s Bullpen Struggles, But Survives
New York Mets Starting Pitcher Tylor Megill saw his start overshadowed by a few poor pitches. He surrendered three earned runs over 5.2 innings and punched out eight. Unfortunately for Megill, the offense was lifeless until he left the game. Things looked bleak for the New York Mets when they surrendered four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning. New York’s offense picked up their bullpen and Closer Edwin Diaz shut the door in the bottom of the ninth after struggling in the eighth inning.
Looking Ahead To Game Two
The Atlanta Braves have a simple task in the second game: Win. If Atlanta loses the next game they will fall out of the MLB Playoffs and the Arizona Diamondbacks will clinch the third wild card spot. If New York loses the second game they will face the Milwaukee Brewers on the road tomorrow for Game 1 of the Wild Card Series. New York lost two of three to Milwaukee over the weekend and went 1-5 against them this season.
If the Mets win the second game they will travel to San Diego to face the Padres tomorrow. The Mets went 5-2 against the Padres this season. Atlanta will send Cy Young favorite Chris Sale to the mound in a do-or-die Game 162. New York will presumably rest some of their key players as the result of the second game is nowhere near as consequential with the team’s thrilling victory in the first half of today’s doubleheader.
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