This week, baseball fans are in for a thrill as the Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets for a decisive three-game series at Truist Park. The stakes couldn't be higher as both teams vie for a coveted postseason spot, with a potential hurricane looming over the region adding another layer of uncertainty.
With all other National League teams behind Atlanta eliminated from the wild-card race, the battle for postseason berths has condensed into a four-team showdown for three available spots. Reflecting on the significance of the series, Sean Murphy noted, “You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing.”
High-Stakes Showdown
The series kicks off on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 7:20 p.m. ET, featuring a pitching duel between right-handers Luis Severino of the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves. The next two games promise excitement with matchups of accomplished left-handers: David Peterson versus Chris Sale on Wednesday, followed by Sean Manaea taking on Max Fried on Thursday.
The Mets have strategically adjusted their rotation, using Monday's off-day to push back Jose Quintana’s start to Friday. Meanwhile, the Braves are banking on their in-form hitters to keep their postseason dreams alive.
Key Players in Focus
Rookie Luisangel Acuña has been a revelation at shortstop, hitting an impressive .409 with two doubles, a triple, and three home runs since stepping in for Francisco Lindor. Veteran Jose Iglesias has also been a standout, batting .467 since assuming leadoff and second base duties due to Jeff McNeil’s wrist injury. Lindor remains optimistic about his return this season, though he admits playing pain-free is unlikely.
Even with their top players contributing significantly, the Braves face a tough challenge. A sweep of the Mets won’t guarantee a wild-card spot this series, particularly if the Arizona Diamondbacks lose their series against the San Francisco Giants. Conversely, if the Mets win two games, they will secure their postseason ticket.
Braves’ Lineup and Challenges
Marcell Ozuna has been pivotal for the Braves, slashing .329/.417/.425 in September. However, JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have struggled this month, adding pressure on other players like Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield, who have been crucial in September. The Braves are well aware that two losses against the Mets won’t necessarily eliminate them from the postseason. They could still surpass Arizona depending on the final games' outcomes.
Upcoming Schedules
After this high-stakes series, the Mets will head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers, who have already clinched the NL Central and are now aiming for a Wild Card Series bye. On the other hand, the Braves will stay home for a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals, another team locked in a tight wild-card race. This sets up Game 162 as a potential win-or-go-home situation for both the Braves and Royals.
As the drama unfolds at Truist Park, baseball fans everywhere will be glued to their screens, anticipating which team will rise to the occasion. This series could very well be the defining moment of the 2024 MLB regular season, setting the stage for an electrifying finish.