- What: MLB Regular Season Game
- When: Monday, September 30
- Who: New York Mets vs. Atlanta Braves
- Time: 1:40 p.m. PST
- Where: Truist Park (Atlanta, GA)
The New York Mets will play the Atlanta Braves in the second game of a doubleheader, which will decide the final wildcard spots. The Mets clinched a playoff spot with a victory in the first game.
New York Mets
Just last week, the Mets were in a playoff position. However, things took a turn for the worse. We only find ourselves in this position because the Mets avoided a sweep with a crucial win over the Milwaukee Brewers.
After a wild comeback win, the Mets playoff life continues. Now, playoff seeding in the National League bracket will be determined. The pressure is off the Mets and on the Braves in this matchup. If the Mets win the second game and sweep the Braves today, the Braves will miss the postseason.
Mets clinch a playoff berth
Now:
1) If the Mets/Braves split the doubleheader: Braves clinch #Postseason spot2) If the Mets win both games of the doubleheader: D-backs clinchpic.twitter.com/r4TPd6zb5o
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) September 30, 2024
If the Mets win Game 2, they will advance to the Wild Card Series in San Diego starting on Tuesday.
However, if they don’t win, they will travel back to Milwaukee to play the Brewers. In that case, the Braves will also secure a spot and face the Padres.
Atlanta Braves
The Braves have defied the odds to reach this point. Despite facing numerous injuries, they have continued to push forward and are now in contention for a playoff spot.
Even after losing key players, they have demonstrated the incredible depth of their team.
OZZIE WE LOVE HIM#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/456S2goS2R
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 30, 2024
Marcell Ozuna and Matt Olson are the only remaining players from last season’s dominant “Big Four” hitters, and they have been instrumental in keeping the Braves competitive.
Other important role players have worked hard to bring the team to this crucial stage. Their resilience will be tested again as they strive to extend their season.
Chris Sale will take the mound and the Braves will need him to pitch deep into the game to minimize the strain on the bullpen.
Mets-Braves Best Bet
The Braves are tremendous favorites in this second game. I wonder how much motivation the Mets have after that emotional comeback victory in the first one.
Sale is the likely NL Cy Young winner this season, so the Braves should have the advantage. At the same time, I wonder how much the Braves have left in the tank after losing the first game in the 9th inning.
The momentum has to be with the Mets after that comeback win, I imagine they will be playing much more loose than the Braves.
I’m going to target the total in this one instead, the Braves are -500 and up on the moneyline. I think we are in for a much lower scoring game than the first game.
Under 8 runs is the best bet in this one.
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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
