Streaking Mets Aim to Extend Wild-Card Lead Over Braves
Alleviation pitcher Ryne Stanek, the most up to date individual from the New York Mets, is set to join the most sweltering team in baseball on Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves are as yet searching for arrangements during their two-month droop.
Mets on a Roll
The Mets are hoping to secure another series win and expand their lead over the Braves in the National League wild-card race as they have Atlanta in the third game of a four-game set. Tylor Megill (2-4, 5.08 ERA) is supposed to be recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to start for the Mets, while the Braves will counter with individual right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach (3-5, 4.62 ERA).
On Friday night, the Mets flooded ahead in the wild-card race. J.D. Martinez, Mark Vientos, and Francisco Alvarez all homered during a seven-run third inning, impelling New York to a 8-4 triumph. The success, energized by Martinez’s go on grand slam, marked the Mets’ fifth straight triumph and featured a resurgence that appeared to be improbable only two months ago.
Key Acquisitions and Performance
Right away before Martinez’s grand slam, New York announced the acquisition of Ryne Stanek from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for small time outfielder Rhylan Thomas. This move comes as the Mets proceed with their noteworthy turnaround. After a 22-33 start to the season, they presently lead the majors with a 33-15 record and 277 runs scored since May 30, making up 10 1/2 games on the Braves.
Despite their improved position, the Mets understand the wild-card race remains tight. They hold a half-game lead over both the Braves and the San Diego Padres, with two other teams within 1 1/2 games of a playoff spot.
“Proud of the players, proud of the group, proud of the coaches (and) all the people that somehow got a hand on the day-to-day operations here for us,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “We’re not looking at the standings. We know where we’re at. Obviously we’ve put ourselves in a better position compared to where we were. But (they) understand we’ve got a ways to go.”
Braves’ Struggles
The Braves, six-time safeguarding NL East champions, end up in an unfamiliar situation after their 6th straight misfortune on Friday. This marks their longest single-season series of failures since September 2017. Atlanta has been outscored 39-18 during this pallet and has allowed at least eight runs multiple times in this span.
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In their initial 51 games of the season, the Braves averaged 4.63 runs per game. Nonetheless, in the ensuing 51 games, they have averaged quite recently 3.76 runs.
“We expect to win, and (when) things don’t go our way — I guess it’s new, something we haven’t experienced here in a while,” Braves catcher Travis d’Arnaud said. “Just got to keep pushing through and hopefully (Saturday), we come out and win, and (win) the next day to be able to split the series.”
Pitching Matchup
Tylor Megill for the Mets
Tylor Megill last pitched for the Mets on June 29, allowing four runs in excess of 5 1/3 innings in a 9-6 disaster to the Houston Astros. After being optioned to Syracuse, he went 1-0 with a 4.05 ERA in three starts. Megill has a career record of 1-3 with a 4.79 ERA in nine appearances (eight starts) against the Braves.
Spencer Schwellenbach for the Braves
Spencer Schwellenbach is set to face the Mets interestingly. He wrote off Sunday after surrendering four runs north of six innings in a 6-2 defeat against the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Mets are ready to continue with their series of wins and concrete their wild-card lead, while the Braves are desperate to break out of their trench and regain their balance in the playoff race.