Atlanta Braves Bounce Back to Claim Playoff Berth
Comeback Win Secures Last Postseason Spot
ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves bounced back from a stunning loss in the first game of a makeup doubleheader, claiming the last postseason berth with a 3-0 win over the Mets in the nightcap Monday after New York clinched a playoffs trip with an 8-7 victory in the opener.
Braves and Mets Make Up Rain-Delayed Games
The Braves faced the Mets in a twin bill squeezed between the scheduled end to the regular season and the start of the Wild Card Series. The defending NL champion Arizona Diamondbacks could only watch from afar and were eliminated as NL East rivals made up a pair of games rained out last week as Hurricane Helene wreaked destruction in the southeastern U.S.
Braves’ Chris Sale Scratched Due to Back Spasms
Grant Holmes, stepping in after Braves ace Chris Sale was scratched because of back spasms, pitched four scoreless innings in the second game and Marcell Ozuna gave the Braves some breathing room with a two-run single in the seventh.
Mets’ Lindor Clinches Playoff Spot with Homer
The Mets could breathe easy after Lindor’s 33rd homer. New York erased a 3-0 deficit with a six-run eighth, capped by Brandon Nimmo’s two-run homer. The Braves surged back ahead with four runs in the bottom half, as Ozzie Albies delivered a bases-loaded double with two outs for a 7-6 lead.
Braves’ Comeback Falls Short in Opener
The Mets weren’t finished. Starling Marte singled with one out off Pierce Johnson (7-5) and Lindor delivered a drive into the Braves bullpen in right-center. Edwin Díaz (6-4) earned the win with a season high 40 pitches despite giving up Albies’ go-ahead hit, which came after the Mets closer failed to cover first on a play that allowed Jarred Kelenic to reach on a two-out infield hit.
Postseason Berth Secured
New York had lost 77 straight games when trailing by three runs in eighth inning or later since May 17, 2023. Díaz slammed his glove to the ground and the Mets celebrated briefly behind the mound after becoming their 11th postseason berth in 63 seasons, and the first since 2022.
Braves Head to San Diego for Wild Card Series
The Braves had the potential tying run at second in the ninth, but Díaz struck out Ramón Laureano and retired Travis d’Arnaud on a grounder to shortstop. Atlanta then turned to closer Raisel Iglesias, but he gave up a tying single to Jose Iglesias, a sacrifice fly to Mark Vientos and Nimmo’s 23rd homer into the right-field seats.
Conclusion
The Braves’ comeback win secured their spot in the postseason, while the Mets celebrated their 11th postseason berth in 63 seasons. The Braves will head to San Diego for their Wild Card Series, while the Mets will face the best-of-three Wild Card Series in Milwaukee.
FAQs
Q: Who secured the last postseason berth?
A: The Atlanta Braves secured the last postseason berth with a 3-0 win over the Mets in the nightcap Monday.
Q: Who clinched a playoffs trip in the opener?
A: The New York Mets clinched a playoffs trip with an 8-7 victory in the opener.
Q: Why was Chris Sale scratched from the game?
A: Chris Sale was scratched from the game due to back spasms.
Q: Who earned the win for the Mets in the opener?
A: Edwin Díaz (6-4) earned the win with a season high 40 pitches.
