The New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves wrapped up their National League series on Monday, with each team securing a victory in their doubleheader.
The real disappointment was for the Diamondbacks, who needed two wins from the same team to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Arizona represented the National League in last year’s World Series.
The Mets triumphed with an exciting 8-7 win, while the Braves countered with a solid 3-0 victory.
In the first game, Francisco Lindor hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning, helping the Mets secure the win.
The doubleheader was crucial in determining which two additional teams would qualify for the playoffs among the three competing teams.
In this second-tier competition, the San Diego Padres comfortably finished in first place.
After being down 0-3 in the eighth inning, the Mets exploded for six runs in that frame, starting with five consecutive hits.
A sacrifice fly from Mark Vientos brought the score to 4-3, and then Brandon Nimmo delivered a long two-run homer off shortstop Raisel Iglesias.
In their next turn at bat, the Braves reclaimed the lead with four runs, highlighted by a three-run double from Ozzie Albies.
However, the Mets refused to back down.
In the ninth inning, Starling Marte led off with a single against Pierce Johnson (7-5), followed by Lindor, who hit his 33rd home run of the season.
“It felt like it was happening in slow motion,” Lindor said. “I got the pitch I wanted.”
Reliever Edwin Diaz (6-4) sealed the win in the bottom of the ninth, finishing the game with a runner on second base. Diaz, who recorded five outs, needed 40 pitches, which was a season high for him.
Braves rookie Spencer Schwellenbach shone in his seven innings of work, allowing just one run on four hits. He struck out five batters and issued no walks.
Albies and Ramon Laureano also contributed with home runs for the Braves.
After losing their first five games of the season, the Mets stood at 22-33 on May 29, having just faced a sweep by the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field.
Following that May 29 defeat, Lindor organized a players’ meeting.
“Everyone was encouraged to express their thoughts on how we could improve,” Nimmo said. “It was clear that something needed to change.”
The goal was achieved, as following that meeting, the Mets led Major League Baseball with a record of 67-39.
They will begin a three-game series on Tuesday in Milwaukee.
On the same day, the Braves will be in San Diego to start their series.
In Game 2 on Monday, Gio Urshela drove in a run with a single in the second inning, and Marcell Ozuna added a two-run single in the seventh.
The Mets managed just three hits in this game.
Joey Lucchesi (0-2) took the loss, while Daysbel Hernandez (3-0) earned the win, and Iglesias secured his 34th save.
The New York Mets vs. Atlanta Braves: Doubleheader Recap
The New York Mets and Atlanta Braves squared off in a thrilling doubleheader on Monday, showcasing the competitive spirit of Major League Baseball (MLB). Both teams won a game, leaving the Diamondbacks, who needed two wins to extend their campaign, as the real losers of the day.
This series also positioned each team strategically in the playoff race, stirring excitement among fans and analysts alike.
Game Highlights
Game 1: Mets’ Thrilling Comeback
The first game of the series set the stage for a spectacular showdown. The Mets secured a dramatic 8-7 victory, fueled by an explosive eighth inning.
- Key Players: Francisco Lindor shone with a two-run homer in the ninth, marking his 33rd of the season.
- Cameback Story: Down 0-3 in the eighth, the Mets rallied to score six runs, starting with five consecutive hits.
- Game-Changing Innings: A sacrifice fly by Mark Vientos and a two-run homer by Brandon Nimmo swung the momentum in the Mets’ favor.
Lindor described the moment as “happening in slow motion,” showcasing his calm demeanor under pressure. The Mets’ reliever Edwin Diaz cemented their victory, achieving five outs with 40 pitches—his highest count this season.
Game 2: Braves’ Strong Showing
The Braves responded emphatically in the second game, winning 3-0. Rookie Spencer Schwellenbach impressed, pitching seven innings, allowing only one run, and striking out five batters without a walk.
- Key Players: Ozzie Albies delivered a crucial three-run double, which restored the Braves’ lead after the Mets had taken control in Game 1.
- Scoring Highlights: Gio Urshela and Marcell Ozuna contributed timely hits that solidified the Braves’ defense.
- Pitching Dominance: Daysbel Hernandez earned the win, while Raisel Iglesias collected his 34th save, underlining the Braves’ solid pitching depth.
Playoff Implications
This doubleheader was pivotal in determining playoff positions, particularly affecting the Arizona Diamondbacks, who needed wins from these games to prolong their postseason aspirations.
Current Standings
| Team | Wins | Losses | Win Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mets | 67 | 39 | .632 |
| Braves | Current TBD | TBD | Current TBD |
| Diamondbacks | TBD | TBD | TBD |
After their May 29 loss, where they stood at 22-33, the Mets turned their season around dramatically, solidifying their position as contenders following a players’ meeting led by Lindor. This transformation positioned them as a leading team in the MLB.
Looking Ahead
With the doubleheader conclusion, both teams look forward to their upcoming series. The Mets are set to face off against the Milwaukee Brewers for a two-of-three series, while the Braves will be challenged by the San Diego Padres.
Key Matchups
- Mets vs. Brewers: Anticipating a showcase of pitching and batting skills.
- Braves vs. Padres: A vital encounter for playoff positioning.
Insights from Players
Players emphasized the need for unity and strategy moving forward. Brandon Nimmo remarked, “Everyone was free to express themselves about how to do better. Something had to happen.” This highlights the players’ determination and collaborative spirit as they push for playoff success.
Conclusion of the Day
Both teams displayed resilience and skill, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the regular season. The Mets showed how to reignite momentum, while the Braves sustained their competitive edge.
Final Thoughts
The doubleheader not only illustrated the toughness of the Mets and Braves but also left fans on the edge of their seats. For a thrilling September finish in MLB, keep following both teams as they vie for playoff glory!
