Are the Mets going to clinch a spot in the post season?

The New York Mets’ season all comes down to Monday’s rescheduled doubleheader against their division rivals, the Atlanta Braves. On what should have been the final day of the 2024 regular season, the Mets kept their playoff hopes alive by defeating the Milwaukee Brewers 5-0 on Sunday afternoon. While most of Major League Baseball is ready to kick off the Wild Card rounds on Tuesday, the Mets still have two crucial games left to play.

Sunday’s victory saw the Mets improve to an 88-72 record, tying the Braves for the No. 2 Wild Card spot in the National League after Atlanta fell to the Kansas City Royals. However, they also share the stage with the Arizona Diamondbacks, who ended their season at 89-73 after a dominant 11-2 win over the San Diego Padres. Now, the D-backs must wait to see the outcome of New York and Atlanta’s showdown on Monday.

For the Mets, the scenario is clear: winning just one of Monday’s games secures a playoff spot, thanks to their tiebreaker advantage over the Diamondbacks. A sweep of the doubleheader would not only punch their ticket to the postseason but also eliminate the Braves, clearing the way for Arizona to make it. However, losing both games would mean the end of the Mets' season.

Francisco Lindor played a pivotal role in Sunday’s win, going 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBI, and two stolen bases — a reassuring sign that he’s back in form after missing time with a lower back injury. David Peterson also delivered a stellar performance on the mound, rising to the challenge in the most significant start of his career. The lefty gave up just one hit over seven scoreless innings, striking out eight. Peterson capped off his impressive season with a 10-3 record and a 2.90 ERA.

The Mets’ offense struck early to relieve some of the pressure from the past week. Francisco Lindor drew a leadoff walk, stole second, and came around to score on a Brandon Nimmo single to make it 1-0. JD Martinez broke an 0-for-35 slump in the fourth inning with a leadoff double that got a lucky bounce off third base, allowing Francisco Alvarez to single him home. Lindor then added another RBI with a base hit to right field, making it 3-0.

Alvarez kept the offense rolling with a sacrifice fly in the fifth to extend the lead to 4-0. Lindor rounded off the scoring by launching his 32nd home run of the season in the sixth inning, showcasing his power and determination.

​The Mets’ playoff hopes now rest on Monday’s doubleheader. A win would keep October baseball alive in Queens — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.