Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Mets entered their pivotal three-game set against the Atlanta Braves with one main goal in mind. This being, do not get swept. Well, after two straight frustrating losses to begin the series, they are one game from the worst-case scenario. With a loss Sunday night, the Mets would be 2.0 games back of Atlanta and without the division tiebreaker. Their division title chances would be all but over.
The Mets entered this weekend’s crucial three-game set with Atlanta up a single game. Of the four scenarios, only one was fatal. And it is the one they are quickly approaching. After losing Friday night’s game 5-2, the Mets’ chances of clinching the division via sweep ended. Luckily, at the time, New York still had a terrific opportunity to either ensure the team can control their own destiny or put Atlanta on the brink. Unfortunately, the chance to take two-of-three from the Braves, and put Atlanta on the brink, also went by a the wayside thanks to a 4-2 loss Saturday night.
That leaves one more game, Sunday night’s contest. With a loss, as mentioned above, the Mets would be 2.0 games back and no longer hold the tiebreaker over Atlanta. If this happens, the only way the Mets would be able to win the division is if the Braves were to get swept by the Marlins and the Mets sweep the Nationals. Each both occurring? Very, very slim.
So, if the Mets want any realistic shot at winning the division crown, a win Sunday night is a must. With a victory, New York would tie the Braves back up at the top of the division standings. Most importantly, a victory would give New York the season series over Atlanta, which serves as the division title tiebreaker. So, in essence, New York would control their own destiny. They would either need to obtain the same record, or a better one than Atlanta (versus Miami) the last three-game series of the season against Washington.
Regardless the outcome, the Mets will still be returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Still a very successful regular season, though one with an ending that rightfully would sting if they are unable to capture the division. This given all the time the Mets spent in first place, and the fact they once held a 10.5 game division lead.
