This week marks a pivotal showdown in the 2024 MLB regular season as the Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets for a decisive three-game series at Truist Park. Both teams are embroiled in a high-stakes battle with a possible postseason spot on the line.
High Stakes and Historical Echoes
Two years ago, a similar late-season series between these teams saw the Braves sweep the Mets, costing New York their grip on first place in the NL East. This time, the pressure is equally intense with all other National League teams behind Atlanta already eliminated from the wild-card race. As it stands, four teams are vying for three coveted postseason spots.
The mounting tension is compounded by the looming threat of a hurricane bearing down on the region, potentially adding another layer of complexity to an already fraught series. However, the teams must stay focused on the task at hand. “You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing,” said Sean Murphy.
Series Breakdown
The series kicks off on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 7:20 p.m. ET with a duel between right-handers Luis Severino of the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves. Following this, the next two games feature matchups of accomplished left-handers: David Peterson against Chris Sale on Wednesday, followed by Sean Manaea versus Max Fried on Thursday. The Mets have strategically adjusted their rotation, taking advantage of Monday's off-day to bump Jose Quintana’s start back to Friday.
Key Players and Performances
In the Braves' camp, rookie Luisangel Acuña has been stellar at shortstop, hitting an impressive .409 with two doubles, a triple, and three home runs since stepping in for the injured Francisco Lindor. Veteran Jose Iglesias has also been a key asset, batting .467 since taking over the leadoff spot and second base duties due to Jeff McNeil’s wrist injury. Lindor remains optimistic about returning this season, although he acknowledges it is unlikely he will play pain-free.
Atlanta's Marcell Ozuna has been slashing .329/.417/.425 in September, providing a critical boost to the Braves’ lineup. However, JD Martinez and Mark Vientos have struggled this month, adding to the challenges the Braves face.
For the Mets, if they win two games in this series, they will secure their postseason spot. Even if Atlanta sweeps the Mets, it would not necessarily clinch the wild-card spot for the Braves due to other variables, including the outcomes of the Arizona Diamondbacks' games against the San Francisco Giants. The Braves could still surpass Arizona depending on how those final games play out.
The Road Ahead
After this series, the Mets will head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers, who have already clinched the NL Central and are now looking to secure a Wild Card Series bye. The Braves, meanwhile, will stay home for a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals, another team in a tight wild-card race. This sets up a potentially thrilling end to the season, where Game 162 could be a win-or-go-home scenario for both the Braves and Royals.
As the series unfolds, players and fans alike will be watching closely. The games promise to be a rollercoaster of emotions, with every pitch, hit, and play carrying significant weight. The Braves are all too aware of the stakes, and even with a hurricane threatening to upend plans, their focus remains unshakable.