While the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves battled for the final two Wild Card spots in the National League on September 30, the Arizona Diamondbacks had to sit back and watch their fate be decided. The Braves and Mets were making up two games that were postponed due to Hurricane Helene.
The Diamondbacks needed either team to sweep the doubleheader to earn a trip to play the Milwaukee Brewers in the Wild Card series. Like the Diamondbacks, the Brewers’ and San Diego Padres’ futures were also tied into the game. Neither team knew their opponent in the Wild Card series that starts Tuesday, October 1.
The first game featured both teams going “all-in” to secure a spot in the postseason. A back-and-forth game featured a 10-run eighth inning. However, it was fitting that Francisco Lindor delivered the game-winning home run in the top of the ninth. Lindor has made himself an MVP candidate, and if not for Shohei Ohtani, he might have a real chance at winning it. Lindor was perhaps the most significant reason the Mets were in a position to make the postseason after the team got off to a poor start.
After clinching in Game 1, the Mets had secured a spot, but a loss in Game 2 would send them to Milwaukee. A win would mean a date with the Padres. On the other hand, Atlanta would seemingly put their season in the hands of Chris Sale. However, just before the second game, it was announced that Sale would be scratched due to back spasms.
With the season on the line, the Braves turned to Grant Holmes. Holmes had a 3.78 ERA going into the game, had made just seven starts, and found out shortly before the game that he would be starting. Holmes delivered four scoreless innings with seven strikeouts and just one hit.
The Braves won the game 3-0, crushing the dreams of the reigning National League champions, Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks, who made it to the World Series as a Wild Card team in 2023, won more games this season than last and couldn’t put themselves in a position to control their destiny.
Meanwhile, the Braves and Mets shared a celebration on the field, acknowledging their successes in a tough situation. The Mets will now have to fly to Milwaukee to face a rested Brewers team. The Braves will head to California to take on the Padres. The Diamondbacks will have to wait until 2025 to take the field again.
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WBN MLB: https://worldbaseball.com/league/mlb/
Photo Credit: The Atlanta Braves celebrate in their clubhouse at Truist Park after winning game two of a doubleheader against the New York Mets and clinching a spot in the National League Wild Card Series on September 30, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images)
