Michael McLoone-Imagn Images/Sipa USA

New York Mets vs Atlanta Braves: A battle for the final playoff spot

The New York Mets are visiting the Atlanta Braves tonight at Truist Park.

Are the Mets ready for the challenge?

The New York Mets are third in the NL East with an 88-72 record, including 42-37 on the road. After losing three consecutive games, they won 5-0 against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Mets have a 3.95 ERA, a .227 batting average, a .313 on-base percentage, and 1.26 walks plus hits per inning pitched. Francisco Lindor leads the team with 167 hits and 105 runs and Pete Alonso is on top with 34 home runs.

The Braves are in the driving seat

The Atlanta Braves are second in the NL East with an 88-72 record including 45-34 at home. After winning 5 consecutive games, they lost 4-2 to the Kansas City Royals in the last one. The Braves have a 3.48 ERA, a .234 batting average, a .301 on-base percentage, and 1.20 walks plus hits per inning pitched. Marcell Ozuna is the best player on the team, with 182 hits, 96 runs, and 39 home runs.

Betting Trends

The Braves are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games overall, 11-3 SU in their last 14 home games against the Mets and 4-1 SU in their last 5 games against teams from the NL. Atlanta has played under the total run line in 4 of their last 5 games overall, 6 of their last 8 games against the Mets, 16 of their last 20 home games and 15 of their last 20 games against teams from the NL East. The Mets are 7-13 SU in their last 20 games against Atlanta, and 1-5 SU in their last 6 games on the road. New York has played under the total run line in 4 of their last 5 games overall and 4 of their last 6 games against teams from the NL while they have gone over in 5 of their last 7 games against teams from the NL East.

Prediction and Conclusion

The NL East rivals will fight for the last playoff spot when they played two games today, which were postponed from last week. Mathematically, the Braves have an 81.9% chance of getting to the postseason, while the Mets are at 66.8%. The Braves will start rookie Spencer Schwellenbach, who is 8-7 for the season with a 3.47 ERA, 122 K, 116.2 IP, and 1.07 WHIP. On the other side, the Mets will start Tylor Megill, who is 4-5 for the season with a 3.98 ERA, 83 K, 72.1 IP, and 1.27 WHIP. Schwellenbach was the starter for the Braves in their last game against the Braves; they won by 5-1. The Braves have been pretty dominant against the division rival lately, especially at home, so we go with them to win today.