ATLANTA — Francisco Lindor hit a crucial two-run home run in the ninth inning, leading the New York Mets to an exciting 8-7 victory over the Atlanta Braves and securing a National League wild-card playoff spot in the first game of Monday’s doubleheader.
With this game being the 161st of the season for both teams, it was played under high stakes due to its significance in the playoff race, comprising a rescheduled matchup after two games were canceled last week because of Hurricane Helene.
The Braves had initially taken control of the game, jumping out to a 3-0 lead before the Mets rallied in a dramatic eighth inning. New York scored six runs during that inning, highlighted by a two-run homer from Brandon Nimmo. Following this, Braves closer Raisel Iglesias was pulled after only 12 pitches.
However, Atlanta fought back in the bottom of the eighth, scoring four runs, including a three-run double by Ozzie Albies that gave them a 7-6 lead.
In the top of the ninth, with one out, Starling Marte singled, setting the stage for Lindor’s 33rd home run of the season, which soared into the Braves’ bullpen in right-center. This pivotal hit allowed the Mets to regain the lead and clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2022. The team has had only one playoff victory since their World Series appearance in 2015.
“It’s not the end of the road for us, but gosh, dang, does it feel good,” Nimmo expressed after the game.
The Braves still have a chance to secure the final undecided wild-card spot in Game 2. However, their scheduled starter Chris Sale was scratched due to back spasms, and Grant Holmes will take the mound against the Mets’ Luis Severino.
If Atlanta loses the second game, the Arizona Diamondbacks will clinch the final playoff spot in the National League.
Edwin Diaz (6-4) was credited with the win in Game 1, throwing a season-high 40 pitches, despite giving up Albies’ go-ahead hit in the eighth inning. Diaz insisted on returning to pitch the ninth, telling manager Carlos Mendoza he was determined to finish the game.
In the ninth, the Braves had a chance to tie the game with a runner on second, but Diaz struck out Ramon Laureano and retired Travis d’Arnaud on a grounder to shortstop, leading to a brief celebration for the Mets after their victory.