ATLANTA — Francisco Lindor hit a crucial two-run home run in the ninth inning, leading the New York Mets to an exhilarating 8-7 victory over the Atlanta Braves in the first game of Monday’s doubleheader. This win secured the Mets a spot in the National League wild-card playoffs.
The matchup marked the 161st game for both teams, taking place on a significant day as they made up for two postponed games due to Hurricane Helene. The Braves initially appeared to dominate, jumping to a 3-0 lead before the game took a dramatic turn in the eighth inning.
The Mets scored six runs in the top of the eighth, highlighted by Brandon Nimmo’s two-run homer, forcing Braves closer Raisel Iglesias out of the game after just 12 pitches, creating the prospect of his participation in the second game.
However, Atlanta responded powerfully in the bottom of the eighth, scoring four runs and taking a 7-6 lead, with Ozzie Albies driving in three runs with a double.
In the decisive moment, Lindor’s two-run shot in the ninth inning shifted the game back in favor of the Mets. Starling Marte opened the inning with a single, and Lindor followed with his 33rd home run, propelling the Mets into the playoffs for the first time since 2022. The team has only won one playoff game since their World Series appearance in 2015.
“It’s not the end of the road for us, but gosh, dang, does it feel good,” said Nimmo.
The Braves still have a chance to secure the final wild-card spot in Game 2, though they faced a setback with the late scratch of scheduled starter Chris Sale due to back spasms. Grant Holmes will start in his place against Luis Severino of the Mets.
If Atlanta loses Game 2, the Arizona Diamondbacks would claim the final National League playoff slot.
Edwin Diaz earned the Game 1 win, pitching a season-high 40 pitches despite giving up Albies’ go-ahead hit, which followed a missed play where he failed to cover first base on an infield hit. Diaz insisted on returning for the ninth inning, stating, “I don’t care what you say, I’m going back out,” to manager Carlos Mendoza.
The Braves threatened in the ninth with a potential tying run at second, but Diaz struck out Ramon Laureano and retired Travis d’Arnaud on a groundout, sealing the game and sparking brief celebrations among the Mets as they became the latest team to advance to the playoffs.