Both the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets locked in their spots for the MLB playoffs after a split in Monday’s exciting doubleheader at Truist Park, which included an unforgettable Game 1.

The Mets took the first game, for an early postseason spot, in an intense match with three lead changes within the final two innings. Francisco Lindor hit a crucial home run in the ninth that proved to be the game-winner.

Facing pressure after their heartbreaking loss in Game 1, the Braves needed a strong performance in Game 2. With ace Chris Sale unable to pitch, Grant Holmes stepped up and delivered brilliantly, allowing only one hit in four scoreless innings. The Braves’ bullpen also held strong, throwing five shutout innings to secure a 3-0 victory.

The wild-card round starts Tuesday, where the Braves will face the San Diego Padres, and the Mets will take on the Milwaukee Brewers in a best-of-three series.

Here’s a recap of Monday’s exciting games in Atlanta

FINAL: Braves 3, Mets 0

The Braves rebounded from a tough opening game to clinch their wild-card spot with a decisive 3-0 win in their final game of the regular season.

Braves Extend Lead: Atlanta 3-0 After Seven

Under pressure to win for a playoff spot, the Braves extended their slim 1-0 lead in the seventh inning with a two-run single from Marcell Ozuna.

Game 2: Braves Lead 1-0 Past Five Innings

With Grant Holmes, Daysbel Hernández, and Dylan Lee collaborating effectively, the Braves held the Mets scoreless through six innings, putting Atlanta just nine outs away from clinching a postseason berth after a tough Game 1.

Grant Holmes Dominating: Atlanta Leads 1-0 After Three

Grant Holmes has been outstanding, striking out six and not allowing any runs through three innings. Although he pitched the day before, he returned strong with only 21 pitches used in that game.

Braves Claim Lead in Second Inning

Gio Urshela provided an RBI single in the second inning off Mets pitcher Joey Lucchesi, putting Atlanta ahead 1-0 in a crucial game for playoff survival.

A win for the Braves would send them to San Diego for the wild-card series while the Mets would head to Milwaukee.

Game 2 Starts: Must Win for Braves

The teams quickly returned to the field after the Mets’ surprising win in Game 1, which clinched their postseason spot. Grant Holmes took over the mound for Atlanta after ace Chris Sale was unavailable.

Chris Sale Unable to Pitch for Braves

Atlanta’s star pitcher Chris Sale was ruled out for the second game due to back spasms.

Sale, a likely NL Cy Young winner, hadn’t pitched since September 19 but had an impressive record of 18-3 with a 2.38 ERA in 29 games after joining the Braves from the Red Sox.

FINAL: Mets 8, Braves 7

Edwin Diaz secured the win for the Mets, marking their postseason entry with a close finish.

Lindor’s Home Run Puts Mets Ahead Again

A pivotal two-run homer by Francisco Lindor in the top of the ninth inning shifted the score to 8-7 for the Mets, following a wild eighth inning in which the Mets scored six runs, only to see the Braves respond with four yet again.

Braves Come Back to Lead 7-6

After conceding six runs in the eighth, the Braves rallied with four runs to regain the lead. A bases-clearing double from Ozzie Albies put Atlanta ahead 7-6.

Edwin Diaz faced a tough spot attempting to save the game for the Mets, giving away an RBI infield single to Jared Kelenic that made it 6-4 and loading the bases for Albies after a walk to Michael Harris II.

Albies had an impressive game with five RBIs, starting off with a two-run homer in the third inning.

Mets Stage a Comeback in the Eighth

In the eighth inning, Tyrone Taylor’s double initiated the end of Spencer Schwellenbach’s clean slate, allowing Francisco Alvarez’s RBI double to put the Mets finally on the scoreboard. Then, Francisco Lindor’s single tied the game at 3-3.

Jose Iglesias’ single later brought in the tying run, followed by a sacrifice fly from Mark Vientos that pushed Lindor home, flipping the score to 4-3 in favor of the Mets.

Brandon Nimmo capped it off with a solid home run, boosting the Mets’ lead to 6-3.

Ramon Laureano’s Home Run Extends Braves’ Lead

After replacing Jorge Soler as the first out, Tylor Megill faced Ramon Laureano, who hit a solo home run, adding an important run to the Braves’ total.

Megill exited with eight strikeouts after giving up a single to allow Huascar Brazoban to replace him on the mound.

Braves Lead 2-0 After Five Innings

Spencer Schwellenbach encountered trouble in the top of the fifth, allowing two runners but the Mets couldn’t capitalize, as Harrison Bader’s groundout ended the inning. This marked the second occurrence where the Mets left a runner stranded at second base with no outs.

They finished 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

Spencer Schwellenbach Dominates: Braves Lead 2-0

Spencer Schwellenbach is showing strong performance against the Mets, allowing only one infield hit while striking out four batters over four innings.

Ozzie Albies Hits Home Run, Braves Take the Lead

In the bottom of the third, after Michael Harris kicked off the inning with a single, Ozzie Albies launched a two-run home run against Tylor Megill, giving the Braves an important 2-0 lead in the first of the doubleheader games.

A three-time All-Star, Albies has had his season hindered by injuries, and this marks his 10th home run in 98 games.

No Score in Mets-Braves After Two Innings

Mets pitcher Tylor Megill managed to navigate through two infield hits during the second inning, striking out both Gio Urshela and Orlando Arcia to keep the runners from scoring.

Doubleheader Between Mets and Braves Has Started

Spencer Schwellenbach began the day by retiring Francisco Lindor, Jose Iglesias, and Mark Vientos in order in the first inning at Truist Field.

Prior to Monday, the rookie Schwellenbach had faced the Mets twice, allowing only one run across 14 innings while striking out 15 batters and issuing just one walk.

Viewing Options for Braves vs. Mets Doubleheader

Both games can be watched on ESPN2, through MLB.TV, and are available for streaming on Fubo.

Pitching Matchups for Braves vs. Mets

Game 1

• Braves: Spencer Schwellenbach – 8-7, 3.47 ERA in 20 starts
• Mets: Tylor Megill – 4-5, 3.98 ERA in 15 games (14 starts)

Game 2

• TBD

Fire at Georgia Chemical Plant Affects Atlanta Area

A fire at a chemical facility in Rockdale County, Georgia, on Sunday has caused a significant smoke cloud over the area east of Atlanta for over 24 hours. Fortunately, air quality is expected to remain good enough for the Mets-Braves doubleheader happening at Truist Park, which is just over 35 miles away.

Meteorologist Alex Forbes from FOX 5 in Atlanta has remarked that the air quality issue is “not severe” and conditions should get better as the day goes on.

Braves’ Lineup for Game 1 Against Mets

• Michael Harris II, CF
• Ozzie Albies, 2B
• Marcell Ozuna, DH
• Matt Olson, 1B
• Jorge Soler, RF
• Ramon Laureano, LF
• Travis d’Arnaud, C
• Gio Urshela, 3B
• Orlando Arcia, SS

Mets’ Lineup for Game 1 Against Braves

• Francisco Lindor, SS
• Jose Iglesias, 2B
• Mark Vientos, 3B
• Brandon Nimmo, LF
• Pete Alonso, 1B
• J.D. Martinez, DH
• Tyrone Taylor, RF
• Francisco Alvarez, C
• Harrison Bader, CF

David Peterson Delivers Key Start for Mets

MILWAUKEE — With two games scheduled on Monday and the potential for a playoff match on Tuesday, it was crucial for David Peterson to perform well on Sunday to lighten the bullpen load.

Following a shaky first inning, the 28-year-old left-handed pitcher provided a strong performance going into Monday’s doubleheader.

In the opening inning, Peterson allowed an infield single to Jackson Chourio but later faced a tough spot with runners on the corners after a walk and a fielder’s choice. He managed to get Eric Haase to strike out swinging to end the inning without further damage.

After that, Peterson became nearly untouchable, allowing only two walks over the next six innings, completing seven scoreless innings with just one hit, three walks, and eight strikeouts.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza praised him, stating that in a must-win situation, Peterson showcased good control and composure while consistently executing his pitches. “That’s a positive sign since he’s an important part of our team,” Mendoza commented.

— Andrew Tredinnick, NorthJersey.com