The New York Mets overcame a late-inning deficit and a bases-loaded jam to defeat the Atlanta Braves 8-7 in Game 1 of their doubleheader, securing their spot in the National League Wild Card Series.
In a game that showcased the intensity of postseason baseball, the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves engaged in a thrilling first contest of their doubleheader, with the Mets ultimately emerging victorious with an 8-7 scoreline, punching their ticket to the National League Wild Card Series.
The game began with a scoreless affair until the bottom of the third inning when Braves rookie starter Spencer Schwellenbach surrendered a two-run homer to Ozzie Albies, giving Atlanta a 3-0 lead. The lead held until the top of the eighth inning when the Mets finally broke through.
Mets Clinch Wild Card Berth with Thrilling 8-7 Win over Braves
With two outs and runners on first and third, Francisco Alvarez doubled down the left field line, scoring Tyrone Taylor to put the Mets on the board. Starling Marte followed with a single to move Alvarez to third, and Francisco Lindor singled home Alvarez to cut the deficit to 3-2.
The Mets continued their rally, as Jose Iglesias singled to right, scoring Marte and advancing Lindor to third. Mark Vientos then hit a sacrifice fly to center, and Michael Harris's throw to the plate was wide, allowing Lindor to score and give the Mets a 4-3 lead.
Mets Clinch Wild Card Berth with Thrilling 8-7 Win over Braves
The Mets weren't done, as Brandon Nimmo launched a fastball over the right field fence to make it a 6-3 lead, much to the dismay of the Braves faithful.
However, the momentum was short-lived, as the Braves responded in the bottom of the eighth. Phil Maton hit Eli White with a pitch, and Travis d'Arnaud followed with a single to put runners on first and third. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza brought in closer Edwin Diaz, but he allowed a run to score when Jarred Kelenic grounded out to first base.
Mets Clinch Wild Card Berth with Thrilling 8-7 Win over Braves
With runners on second and third, Ozzie Albies connected with a bases-clearing double to give the Braves a 7-6 lead.
In the top of the ninth, the Mets showed their resilience. After Marte singled, Lindor waited on a Pierce Johnson curveball and launched it into the right-center field bullpen, giving the Mets an 8-7 lead.
Diaz closed out the game for the save, and the Mets celebrated their victory, knowing they would either face the San Diego Padres or the Milwaukee Brewers in the Wild Card Series, depending on the outcome of Game 2 of the doubleheader.
For the Braves, the loss means they must win Game 2 to give themselves a chance to qualify for the Wild Card as the final team. If the Mets win, the Arizona Diamondbacks will claim the final Wild Card spot.
