Sep 24, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach (56) and catcher Travis d'Arnaud (16) walk off the field against the New York Mets in the seventh inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

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Mets-Braves : a doubleheader for a playoff spot

Today at 1:10 pm ET, the fate of the final two National League wild card spots will be decided. The Mets and Braves are set to play a decisive doubleheader in Atlanta, with the Diamondbacks anxiously awaiting the outcome. Let’s break down the scenarios.

Postponed last week due to inclement weather in Atlanta, these two games now set the stage for one of the most epic regular season finales we could have imagined. The doubleheader will break the current three-way tie between the Diamondbacks, Mets, and Braves for the final two wild card spots.

Here are the possible outcomes:

• If the Mets and Braves each win one game tonight, both teams will clinch a playoff spot, leaving the Diamondbacks out of the postseason.

• If one team sweeps the doubleheader—whether it’s the Mets or the Braves—that team will make the playoffs, while the other will be eliminated. The Diamondbacks will then secure the remaining wild card spot.

It’s a “winner-takes-all” situation with massive implications for the future.

Baseball fans: Let’s savor this thrilling ending! Of course, if you’re a D-backs, Braves, or Mets fan, tonight will be nerve-wracking.

But beyond the immediate excitement, there’s a key consequence to consider. If both the Mets and Braves advance, neither will have a day off before starting their wild card series. Whether they face the Padres or the Brewers, they’ll be worn out from the doubleheader.

Obviously, these two powerhouses are determined to push through and extend their season. But there’s a real chance that one of them will be watching the postseason from home, with potential short-term consequences heading into 2025.

Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

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Charles Taudin

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Global Editorial Chief of The Playoffs, I created The Free Agent, which became The Playoffs FR, in 2020 during the pandemic. A longtime fan of the four major American sports, I now oversee the editorial strategy and social media for all versions of The Playoffs. I still occasionally write about sports I’m particularly passionate about, such as the NFL or MLB. If there’s one thing you should remember: Eli Manning is the true GOAT for beating Tom Brady twice.