This week, baseball enthusiasts find themselves on the edge of their seats as the Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets for a pivotal three-game series at Truist Park. This series holds significant weight, with one potential postseason spot up for grabs in a highly competitive matchup.
For Atlanta, this series is reminiscent of two years ago when they swept the Mets in the penultimate series of the regular season, ultimately causing New York to lose their hold on first place in the NL East. The stakes are just as high this year, with the Braves fighting to keep their postseason hopes alive.
A Duel Under Threat
Adding an extra layer of suspense, a potential hurricane is threatening the region, which could influence the series' outcome. The Braves remain vigilant but focused, aware of the importance of each game.
“You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing,” Sean Murphy remarked, underscoring the anticipated intensity of the showdown.
Key Matchups on the Mound
The series is set to begin on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 7:20 p.m. ET with a duel between right-handers Luis Severino of the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves. The following games promise to be equally compelling, featuring matchups of seasoned left-handers: David Peterson against Chris Sale on Wednesday, and Sean Manaea versus Max Fried on Thursday.
The Mets have strategically used Monday's off-day to adjust their rotation, pushing Jose Quintana’s start back to Friday. This move could give them an edge, allowing their key arms a bit more rest before this critical series.
Rising Stars and Veteran Grit
Both teams have seen standout performances from unexpected players. For the Mets, rookie Luisangel Acuña has been stellar at shortstop, hitting an impressive .409 with two doubles, a triple, and three home runs since taking over for the injured Francisco Lindor. Veteran Jose Iglesias has also been a crucial contributor, batting .467 in the leadoff spot and handling second base duties amid Jeff McNeil’s wrist injury.
The Braves, too, have had significant contributions from their roster. Marcell Ozuna has been in top form, slashing .329/.417/.425 in September, while Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield have offered vital contributions to the lineup.
High Stakes and Potential Outcomes
Despite the intensity of the series, even a sweep of the Mets will not guarantee a wild-card spot for the Braves, especially if the Arizona Diamondbacks lose their games against the San Francisco Giants. Conversely, the Mets can secure their postseason ticket by winning two games in this series.
However, a series win for the Mets won’t necessarily eliminate the Braves. Depending on the outcomes of the final games, Atlanta could still surpass Arizona and clinch a spot.
Post-Series Prospects
As the series concludes, the Mets are set to head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers. With the Brewers having clinched the NL Central and eyeing a Wild Card Series bye, it will not be an easy task. Meanwhile, the Braves will stay home for a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals, who are themselves embroiled in a tight wild-card race.
Game 162 looms large for both the Braves and the Royals, potentially becoming a win-or-go-home situation. This series' outcome, coupled with the weekend's final matches, will determine if either team advances to the postseason or faces the bitter end of their campaign.
As the Braves and Mets gear up for this crucial series, the season's defining moments are imminent, promising drama and excitement until the very last pitch.