ATLANTA — The Mets are headed to the postseason after Francisco Lindor’s two-run homer in the ninth set off a wild back-and-forth swing over the final two innings, giving New York an 8-7 victory over the Atlanta on Monday Braves netted in the opener of a makeup doubleheader that was sandwiched before the start of the playoffs.
Atlanta would also earn a wild card berth by winning the second game, eliminating Arizona. If the Mets sweep, the Braves would be eliminated.
The Braves led 3-0 heading into the eighth inning behind rookie starter Spencer Schwellenbach, but that was long forgotten by the end of this thriller.
New York took the lead with a six-run eight, capped by Brandon Nimmo’s two-run homer. The Braves took the lead again with four runs in the second half, with Ozzie Albies hitting a bases-loaded double with two outs for a 7-6 lead.
The Mets weren’t done yet. Starling Marte singled with one out off Pierce Johnson (7-5) and Lindor delivered his 33rd homer, a drive into the Braves bullpen in right-center.
Edwin Díaz (6-4) earned the win with a season-high 40 pitches despite giving up Albies’ go-ahead hit, which came after the Mets closer failed to cover first on a play that allowed Jarred Kelenic to reach base reach with a two-out infield hit. The Braves had the potential tying run at second in the ninth, but Díaz struck out Ramón Laureano and retired Travis d’Arnaud on a grounder to shortstop.
Díaz slammed his glove to the ground and the Mets briefly celebrated behind the mound after becoming baseball’s newest playoff team.
New York had to hold off on a full-fledged celebration of their 11th postseason berth in 63 seasons, their first since 2022. There was one regular-season game left to play.
