Mets vs. Braves Doubleheader: One Game to Decide Playoff Berth

The New York Mets and Atlanta Braves will face off in a crucial doubleheader on Sunday, with the winner claiming the final spot in the National League playoffs.

With the National League Wild Card race coming down to the wire, the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves will meet in a pivotal doubleheader on Sunday at Truist Park. The winner of the single-game playoff will advance to the NL Division Series, while the loser will be eliminated from the postseason.

The two teams split the first game of the doubleheader, with the Mets emerging victorious 5-2. Francisco Lindor's two-run home run in the second inning gave the Mets an early lead, which they would never relinquish. Pete Alonso added a solo shot in the seventh to extend the lead to 5-0.

Mets vs. Braves Doubleheader: One Game to Decide Playoff Berth

In Game 2, the Braves rallied from behind to win 4-3 in walk-off fashion. Dansby Swanson delivered the game-winning single in the bottom of the ninth inning, sending Truist Park into a frenzy. Austin Riley's two-run homer in the eighth inning had tied the game for the Braves.

For the second game of the doubleheader, the Mets will send Taijuan Walker to the mound, while the Braves will start Jake Odorizzi. Walker is coming off a strong outing against the Marlins, while Odorizzi has struggled in his last few starts.

The stakes are incredibly high for both the Mets and Braves in this doubleheader. The Mets are looking to make their first playoff appearance since 2016, while the Braves are aiming for their fifth straight NL East title.

Some of the key players to watch in the doubleheader include:

* **Pete Alonso (Mets):** The reigning NL home run champion is looking to continue his torrid pace in the playoffs.

* **Francisco Lindor (Mets):** The shortstop has been a force at the plate for the Mets all season and will be crucial to their success in the doubleheader.

* **Ronald Acuña Jr. (Braves):** The reigning NL Rookie of the Year is expected to return from injury for the doubleheader and could be a major factor for the Braves.

* **Freddie Freeman (Braves):** The All-Star first baseman is batting over .300 with 31 home runs this season and will be a key cog in the Braves' lineup.

The Mets and Braves are two evenly matched teams, so predicting the outcome of the doubleheader is very difficult. However, the Mets have been playing better of late and have a slight edge in the pitching matchup for Game 2.

Ultimately, the team that plays with more intensity and makes fewer mistakes will be the one that comes away with the victory and a berth in the playoffs.