The Atlanta Braves defeated the New York Mets 3-0 in the second game of a doubleheader on Monday, clinching a spot in the MLB playoffs as they became the last team to earn a wild-card spot in the National League.
The Mets had already clinched a wild-card spot in the National League after winning a thrilling first game against the Braves thanks to Francisco Lindor's go-ahead two-run homer in the top of the ninth inning.
But the game lacked drama, as the Mets didn't field their best lineup to keep their players fresh for Game 1 of Tuesday's wild-card matchup. And their National League East foes, the Braves, weren't complaining as they got the points they needed to clinch a postseason ticket.
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The Atlanta Braves pose for a team photo after defeating the New York Mets at Trust Park and clinching a wild card spot in the playoffs. (Brett Davis-Imagine Images)
However, the Arizona Diamondbacks are upholding the outcome of Monday's second game in Atlanta, as either team needed to sweep the other to secure the final wild-card spot. There wasn't. That means there will be a new National League pennant winner this year after the D-backs won last season.
Atlanta came out on top early in the game, scoring Jorge Soler on a flare single by Gio Urshela in the bottom of the second inning.
Mets beat Braves on Francisco Lindor's 9th inning home run, clinching NL wild card spot
That one run was the only difference until Marcell Ozuna singled into the left field seats in the bottom of the seventh inning, scoring Sean Murphy and Ozzie Abbies to extend the Braves' lead.
Meanwhile, the Mets have struggled to hit Grant Holmes, who far exceeded manager Brian Snitker's expectations. He pitched four innings, allowing one hit and striking out seven.
The Braves dropped their pitchers to prevent the Mets from conceding runs, but it worked, and Atlanta won with only three hits in total.
Atlanta Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia, 11, and second baseman Ozzie Albies, 1, celebrate after a ninth-inning victory over the New York Mets at Trust Park. (Brett Davis-Imagine Images)
The Braves will now face the Padres in a best-of-three wild-card series in San Diego, while the Mets will face the Milwaukee Brewers.
And while Atlanta is clearly happy to be playing for a World Series title, they are expected to be missing a key arm.
Snitker told reporters that ace Chris Sale was not expected to start in the series against San Diego after sustaining a back spasm that was scheduled to start on Monday.
The Braves were expected to save Sale for the second game of a doubleheader if they lost to the Mets on Monday, but Sale started having back spasms and was ruled out. Sale has made a comeback this season, pitching 177.2 innings with a 2.38 ERA, and will definitely be missed.
Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies (1 year old) and catcher Travis d'Arnaud (16 year old) celebrate their victory over the New York Mets at Trust Park, clinching a wild card spot in the playoffs. (Brett Davis-Imagine Images)
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The Braves will open their series against the Padres Tuesday with a ceremonial first pitch at 8:38 p.m., with all games being played on the road.
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