The MLB regular season ended yesterday, but the Mets and Braves will play games 161 and 162 today — and there’s a lot on the line.
The final two NL Wild Card playoff spots are still up for grabs, with plenty of different scenarios for the Mets, Braves, and Diamondbacks to continue playing ball into October. Put simply, the New York Mets control their own destiny.
RELATED: Why this final-week Mets-Braves showdown won’t be like 2022
The doubleheader is happening today due to Hurricane Helene making landfall last week, forcing the league to postpone Wednesday and Thursday’s games.
The stakes are high, but the Mets are prepared. Below, find everything you need to tune in to today’s doubleheader both in New York and nationally.
Mets vs. Braves dates and times: When do the Mets play the Braves?
The first pitch at Game 1 of the Mets-Braves doubleheader is set for 1:10 p.m. today, September 30. Game 2 will begin about 40 minutes after the conclusion of Game 1.
How can the Mets clinch a wild-card playoff berth?
Though there are plenty of ways to get there, for the Mets (and the Braves, for that matter), it’s simple: win and you’re in.
If the Mets win Game 1, they’ll clinch a playoff berth. If the Braves win Game 1, they’ll clinch a playoff berth.
If the Mets lose Game 1 but win Game 2, they’ll clinch a playoff berth, and alternatively, if the Braves lose Game 1, but win Game 2, they’ll clinch a playoff berth.
If one team wins both games of the doubleheader, they’re in; the team that lost both halves of the doubleheader is out and the Arizona Diamondbacks are in.
What channel is the Mets game on?
Both halves of the Mets doubleheader vs. the Braves will air on their home network, SNY. If you have traditional cable and live in the New York Metro area, you’ll be able to watch all three games on your TV.
ESPN2 is also broadcasting both halves of the doubleheader nationally (with the New York area subject to a regional blackout).
How to watch Mets vs. Braves for free:
SNY
To watch SNY live, you’ll need a live TV streaming service.
Our favorite, because it includes regional sports networks (like SNY), is DIRECTV Stream. You’ll have to subscribe to the CHOICE plan, which comes with a five-day free trial. After the trial ends, DIRECTV Stream Choice plan costs $88.99/month.
If you live outside of New York, you can use the same DIRECTV subscription free trial to stream the games on ESPN2.
Probable Mets vs. Braves starters:
In Game 1, Tylor Megill will start for the Mets, while the Braves will start Spencer Schwellenbach.
Both the Mets’ and Braves’ managers are entering today’s game with pitching plans based on the outcome of the first game. If the Mets lose that game, Luis Severino will start Game 2, but if they win, the Mets plan on saving him for the first game of the NL Wild Card Series.
If the Braves lose Game 1, ace Chris Sale will start Game 2 on the mound.
Where are the Mets playing?
The Mets are playing the Braves at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA.
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This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Writer/Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping and New York Post’s streaming property, Decider. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on each streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. Prior to joining Decider and New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews.
