This week, all eyes in the baseball world will be on Truist Park as the Atlanta Braves host the New York Mets in what could be the most significant series of the 2024 MLB regular season. As the two teams clash in a decisive three-game showdown, only one postseason spot is up for grabs, making the stakes impossibly high.
The series kicks off on Tuesday, September 24 at 7:20 p.m. ET, featuring a duel between right-handers Luis Severino of the Mets and Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves. The intensity doesn't let up from there, with Wednesday pitting left-handers David Peterson against Chris Sale, and Thursday showcasing Sean Manaea versus Max Fried. With such high-caliber pitching on display, fans can anticipate a nail-biting, low-scoring affair each night.
The Braves can draw strength from their history. Two years ago, they swept the Mets in the penultimate series of the regular season, a blow that cost the Mets first place in the NL East. Current form is equally important, and the Braves have been buoyed by impressive September performances from players like Marcell Ozuna, who has been slashing .329/.417/.425 over the month, and Ramón Laureano and Whit Merrifield, both contributing significantly to Atlanta's lineup.
The Mets have had to make some strategic adjustments coming into this series. Utilizing Monday's off-day, they pushed Jose Quintana’s start back to Friday, ensuring their rotation is firing on all cylinders for these all-important games. Rookie Luisangel Acuña has been a revelation at shortstop, stepping up for Francisco Lindor, hitting .409 with two doubles, a triple, and three home runs. Veteran Jose Iglesias has also been exceptional, batting .467 since taking over the leadoff spot and second base duties after Jeff McNeil’s wrist injury.
“You knew it a couple weeks ago, right? That series is probably gonna help decide this thing,” remarked Sean Murphy, capturing the significance of this upcoming series for both teams.
Weather could throw a curveball into the mix, as a potential hurricane is bearing down on the region. Both teams will have to stay alert to any sudden changes in the schedule that may arise due to inclement weather.
While a series sweep would be an ideal outcome for the Braves, it won't necessarily clinch a wild-card spot for them, especially if the Arizona Diamondbacks falter in their games against the San Francisco Giants. Conversely, if the Mets manage to win two out of three in this series, they will secure their postseason berth. The Braves, however, still hold a glimmer of hope. Even if the Mets win two games, Atlanta could surpass Arizona depending on the results of the final games.
Adding to the complexity, the Mets are scheduled to head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers after this series. The Brewers have already clinched the NL Central and are now aiming to secure a Wild Card Series bye. Meanwhile, the Braves will continue their fight for postseason survival at home against the Kansas City Royals, who are themselves in a tight wild-card race.
As game 162 looms, the Braves could be finding themselves in a win-or-go-home situation not just against the Mets, but potentially against the Royals as well. With the entire season boiling down to these final, frenzied moments, baseball fans are in for a wild ride, where every pitch, every swing, and every catch matters more than ever.