Diamondbacks’ Playoff Hopes Depend on Mets’ Doubleheader Performance Against Braves

The Arizona Diamondbacks‘ playoff aspirations hinge on the performance of the New York Mets, following the Mets’ narrow victory over the Atlanta Braves in the first game of their doubleheader on Monday. The Mets emerged victorious with an 8-7 win, and their success in the second game is crucial for the Diamondbacks to secure a playoff berth.

In the afternoon match, Spencer Schwellenbach of the Atlanta Braves delivered an impressive performance, maintaining control over the Mets’ lineup for over seven innings. Schwellenbach allowed only four hits and no walks while securing five strikeouts, demonstrating his prowess on the mound. His single conceded run came from an inherited runner in the eighth inning. Throughout the game, Schwellenbach also contributed defensively to keep the Braves’ bullpen rested for Game Two. His season record against the Mets stands strong, with only two runs allowed in 21 innings pitched.

Tyler Megill of the Mets displayed striking capabilities with eight strikeouts over 5.2 innings, despite giving up two home runs and three runs overall. Megill managed to work through eight hits and two walks, maintaining a close deficit of three runs. This performance was critical as it set the stage for a major comeback by the Mets in the eighth inning.

A remarkable sequence unfolded in the eighth inning, where the Mets, trailing by three runs, rallied by scoring six runs with only one out. Brandon Nimmo‘s two-run home run, clocked at 405 feet, significantly contributed to the Mets taking a 6-3 lead. This inning saw the Mets achieving five consecutive hits, challenging the Braves’ bullpen, which utilized four pitchers before the Mets secured their second out.

However, the Mets faced a familiar challenge in Atlanta, as the Braves responded in the bottom of the eighth with four runs off relievers Phil Maton and Edwin Diaz. Ozzie Albies delivered a decisive hit, a line drive to the left-field wall that cleared the bases and put the Braves ahead 7-6, following his earlier two-run homer.

Nonetheless, the Mets were not deterred. Francisco Lindor hit a pivotal two-run homer in the top of the ninth, bringing the Mets back ahead with an 8-7 lead after Starling Marte reached base with a single. Diaz, struggling in the previous inning, managed to secure the win in the ninth, thus ensuring the Mets’ first playoff appearance since 2022.

For Diamondbacks supporters, there’s optimism as the Braves had to exhaust three of their best relievers in Game One, potentially leaving them vulnerable in Game Two. Compounding the Braves’ challenges, Chris Sale, who was slated to start, was withdrawn due to back spasms. Grant Holmes, possessing a 3.78 ERA in six starts and 25 appearances this season, will commence what is anticipated to be a bullpen-managed game for the Braves.

The Mets’ prospects against Holmes appear more favorable compared to Sale, offering a glimmer of hope for Diamondbacks fans relying on the Mets’ performance to make their playoff dreams a reality.