The Mets secure their playoff spot with an 8-7 victory over the Braves

ATLANTA– The Mets are headed to the postseason after Francisco Lindor's two-run homer in the ninth inning capped a wild back-and-forth final two innings to give New York an 8-7 victory over the Atlanta Braves in their opener on Monday Makeup doubleheader squeezed in before playoffs begin.

Atlanta would also secure a wild card spot by winning Game 2, eliminating Arizona. If the Mets sweep, the Braves would be knocked out.

The Braves led 3-0 in the eighth behind rookie starter Spencer Löhnebach, but that was long forgotten by the end of this thriller.

New York took an eight-run, six-run lead, capped by Brandon Nimmo's two-run home run. The Braves regained the lead with four runs in the bottom half, with Ozzie Albies delivering a bases-loaded double with two outs for a 7-6 lead.

The Mets weren't done yet. Starling Marte hit a single with one out against Pierce Johnson (7-5) and Lindor delivered his 33rd home run, a drive into the Braves bullpen in right-center.

Edwin Díaz (6-4) secured the win with a season-high 40 pitches despite giving up Albies' go-ahead run, which came after the Mets reached two-out on a play that allowed Jarred Kelenic to reach. could not cover first infield hits. The Braves had the potential tying score at second in the ninth, but Díaz struck out Ramón Laureano and retired Travis d'Arnaud with a grounder to shortstop.

Díaz slammed his glove to the ground and the Mets celebrated briefly behind the mound after becoming baseball's final playoff team.

New York had to hold off on celebrating its 11th postseason berth in 63 seasons, its first since 2022. There was still one more regular season game to play.

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