The New York Mets and Atlanta Braves are gearing up for a critical makeup doubleheader on Monday, with playoff dreams hanging in the balance. Both teams enter this showdown knowing exactly what’s at stake, and it all starts with the outcome of Game 1.
What is the current situation for both teams? Both teams will clinch the playoffs if the Braves and Mets split the games. But if either team sweeps the day, things get even more interesting, as the Arizona Diamondbacks would find themselves securing a postseason berth.
The Braves currently hold a 3-0 lead in the top of the eighth inning in the first game. The tension is mounting as the end of the game creeps closer. The Braves lock in a playoff spot if they hold this lead and secure the win. But there’s a twist—the champagne bottles will stay on ice, at least for now.
Per Mark Sanchez of The New York Post, MLB has advised both teams to hold off on any celebration until after Game 2. While it may sound anticlimactic, the reasoning is clear. There’s another game to be played, and considering the alcohol-infused nature of these postseason celebrations, it’s better to save the festivities for when everything is truly settled.
Should the Braves’ lead hold, the Mets will turn to right-hander Luis Severino to keep their season alive in Game 2. It would be a do-or-die situation for New York, but they’re not down and out yet. If the Mets manage to rally and snatch Game 1 away from the Braves, Atlanta will counter with one of the best pitchers in the National League, Chris Sale, who’s in the midst of a Cy Young-caliber season.
One major thorn in the Mets’ side? Braves rookie sensation Spencer Schwellenbach. Schwellenbach has once again stymied the Mets, tossing seven shutout innings so far. This marks his third dominant start against New York this season, with only one run allowed in 21 innings against them. If the Mets can’t figure him out soon, they’ll find themselves facing a serious uphill battle in Game 2.
With Game 2 set to start just 40 minutes after the first game wraps up, the Mets could be staring down elimination if they don’t turn things around quickly.
