Yesterday marked a pivotal day in the National League playoff race, especially for the Atlanta Braves. With their season tilting treacherously, the Braves’ playoff hopes took a significant hit, accentuated by a crushing 16-7 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. This defeat wasn’t just another tally in the loss column; it extended their losing streak to five games and toppled them from the wild-card position they previously held by a slender half-game margin.
The Braves’ tumultuous journey this month has been stark. Since enjoying the summer sun amid a comfortable six-game lead over the New York Mets on July 9, they have experienced a dramatic fall from grace. This month alone, the Braves carry a disappointing 2-5 record and an overall 7-12 performance in the second half of the season. Such form hasn't been seen since their non-playoff days in 2017, a jarring reality for a team accustomed to postseason play since 2018.
Changing Fortunes
The New York Mets, meanwhile, are singing a different tune. Defeating the Colorado Rockies 9-1 yesterday, the Mets emphasized their upward momentum. They boast a 12-8 record since the All-Star break and appear to be peaking just when it matters the most. Now perched just above the Braves, the Mets are savoring the reversal in their fortunes. The Phillies, maintaining a comfortable 7 1/2-game lead in the National League East, watch the playoff skirmish below with a degree of assuredness.
The stakes for the Braves couldn't be higher as they embark on a daunting three-city, 10-game west-coast road trip. Their journey begins against the Colorado Rockies, followed by contests with the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Angels. The combined win percentage of these opponents stands at 48.6%, a figure that, despite not being overwhelmingly formidable, poses its own set of challenges given the Braves’ current form.
Conversely, the Mets' path appears more forgiving in the upcoming days. They will round off their current road trip with three games against the Seattle Mariners before settling into a cozy nine-game homestand, where they will face the Oakland Athletics, Miami Marlins, and Baltimore Orioles. These upcoming adversaries hold a winning percentage of 49.9%, suggesting a relatively easier slate compared to the Braves.
Season-Defining Series Ahead
One crucial series looms on the horizon: the Braves and Mets are slated to clash for three more games in Atlanta during the season's final week. It may very well become the defining moment for both teams’ playoff aspirations. These games could be the battlegrounds where the Braves fight to reestablish their postseason routine or the Mets solidify their spot in October.
For the Braves, who have consistently been a postseason fixture since 2018, this current predicament feels unfamiliar and uncomfortable. They were once the hallmark of consistency and prowess in the National League East. Now, they face a relentless battle to reclaim their spot. Every game from here on is paramount, with little margin left for error.
The Mets, on the other hand, can sense the positive shift in their trajectory. Their recent performances suggest a team hitting its stride precisely when necessary. If they continue on this path, their playoff destiny may very well be within their grasp.