The Atlanta Braves have clinched a Wild Card spot in the National League, eliminating the Arizona Diamondbacks as the reigning pennant winners.
The Atlanta Braves have secured their place in the 2023 National League Wild Card race after defeating the New York Mets in the second game of a doubleheader on Monday. With this victory, the Braves join the Mets, Milwaukee Brewers, and San Diego Padres as the four teams vying for the NL pennant.
Atlanta Braves Punch Postseason Ticket, End Arizona Diamondbacks' Pennant Reign
The Braves' triumph dashed the hopes of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who were counting on a Braves sweep to secure their own Wild Card berth. However, Atlanta's victory shattered those aspirations and marked the end of the Diamondbacks' reign as NL pennant winners.
Atlanta got off to a strong start in the second game, with Gio Urshela driving in Jorge Soler for the early lead. The Mets, who had already secured their own Wild Card spot with a thrilling win in the first game, rested their top players in anticipation of their Wild Card matchup against the Brewers.
Atlanta Braves Punch Postseason Ticket, End Arizona Diamondbacks' Pennant Reign
The Braves extended their lead in the seventh inning when Marcel Ozuna singled in Sean Murphy and Ozzie Albies, giving Atlanta a comfortable 3-0 cushion.
Grant Holmes, who entered the game in relief of starter Spencer Strider, dominated the Mets' lineup, pitching four scoreless innings while striking out seven. The Braves' bullpen, which has been a strength throughout the season, sealed the victory, allowing just three hits in the game.
Atlanta Braves Punch Postseason Ticket, End Arizona Diamondbacks' Pennant Reign
With their victory, the Braves will now travel to San Diego to face the Padres in the best-of-three Wild Card series, which begins on Tuesday. The Mets, meanwhile, will face the Brewers in the other NL Wild Card matchup.
However, a potential setback looms for the Braves, as ace pitcher Chris Sale is expected to miss the series against the Padres due to back spasms. Sale had been expected to start the second game of the doubleheader against the Mets but was scratched due to the injury.
Sale's absence will be a significant blow to the Braves' pitching staff, as he had been a dominant force this season, pitching to a 2.38 ERA over 177.2 innings.
Despite this setback, the Braves remain confident in their ability to succeed in the postseason. They have a deep and talented roster, and they have been one of the most consistent teams in the NL all season.
The Braves' Wild Card berth marks a return to prominence for a team that has been rebuilding in recent years. With a young and talented core led by Albies, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Austin Riley, the Braves are poised to make a deep run into the playoffs and challenge for their first World Series title since 1995.
