The New York Mets and Atlanta Braves each claimed a game in their weather-postponed double-header, securing their spots in the Major League Baseball playoffs on Monday.
The Mets edged out a thrilling 8-7 victory in the first game at Atlanta’s Truist Park, which earned them a wild card match-up against the Milwaukee Brewers.
In the second game, the Braves needed a win to join the Mets in the postseason and responded with a tense 3-0 victory. This win secured the Braves the fifth seed in the National League playoffs, setting them up for a best-of-three series against the fourth-seeded San Diego Padres beginning on Tuesday.
The Arizona Diamondbacks, who could have advanced if either the Mets or Braves had swept the double-header, were eliminated from playoff contention.
The playoff destinies of the Braves, Mets, and Diamondbacks remained uncertain due to the impact of Hurricane Helene, which caused the final games of the season to be postponed by a day.
The Mets secured their playoff spot in dramatic fashion during the first game, with Francisco Lindor hitting a two-run homer in the top of the ninth to put them ahead 8-7. This homer was part of a stunning comeback, as the Mets rallied from a 3-0 deficit at the start of the eighth inning, scoring six runs to take the lead.
However, the Braves responded in the bottom of the eighth. Jarred Kelenic’s single allowed Eli White to score, followed by Ozzie Albies driving in three runs with a double down the left field line, putting Atlanta ahead 7-6 going into the ninth. Yet, Lindor’s home run to center field swung the momentum back to the Mets, securing their playoff berth.