Mets vs. Braves: Game 1 predictions, odds and picks — Sept 30, MLB 2024
Thanks to ill-timed inclement weather, the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets are set to play a two-game doubleheader today. This is the day after the MLB regular season ended, making for extremely high drama. These two teams each need a win to get into the postseason, with a sweep of the two games eliminating their opponent and rival.
Doubleheaders can be random and difficult to predict, which makes this such an interesting layer in what's been a fascinating wild-card race this year in the National League. The fact that it's technically coming after the season's over only adds to it.
Mets vs. Braves recent form and records
The New York Mets and Atlanta Braves are tied in record. They are both tied for the second and third wild card spots at 88-72, .001 percentage points above the Arizona Diamondbacks for the final spot.
The Braves have surged to this spot thanks to a 7-3 run in their last 10. The Mets are 6-4 in their last 10, so they've also been solid as the postseason approaches. These will be their final two games.
Players to watch
Starting pitchers
TBD vs. Spencer Schwellenbach (8-7, 3.47 ERA, 122 SO)
Spencer Schwellenbach has a 1.07 WHIP and 122 strikeouts in 116.2 innings pitched.
Last start: Seven innings, three hits, one earned run, one walk and four strikeouts against the Mets on Sept. 24.
Career vs. Mets: 2-0 with a 0.64 ERA and 15 strikeouts in two appearances.
The Mets have not yet officially named their starter, but it could be Luis Severino or Tylor Megill in the two games today.
Must-watch hitters
Mets
Luisangel Acuna has hit well to start his MLB career. He has just 12 games played, but he's hit three home runs and six RBI during that time. Acuna's average is .343 and his OPS is 1.075.
Jose Iglesias' career resurgence continued in September. The veteran has 34 hits in his last 24 games, including 15 runs, four doubles, and a home run.
Braves
Marcell Ozuna can put the finishing touches on a terrific season. He's recorded 25 hits in the last 24 games, all coming in September.
Matt Olson has 27 hits in his last 24 games in the month, and he has recorded six doubles, four home runs, 21 RBI, and 19 walks to just 14 strikeouts.
Mets vs. Braves Baseball Odds
Mets vs. Braves Expert Predictions
Whether it's Tylor Megill or Luis Severino, the Mets don't have anyone to quite match up with Spencer Schwellenbach. The Braves will have a slight pitching advantage as well as a home-field advantage. They're playing a little better as of late.
Look for them to win and punch their ticket, throwing further chaos into the second game later on. Once clinched, will they punt and save players like Chris Sale or Matt Olson? Or will they try and sweep the Mets and put the Diamondbacks in the playoffs?
Run Spread: +1.5
Total Runs: Over 7.5
Prediction: Braves 5, Mets 3