Mets vs. Braves: Game 2 predictions, odds and picks — Sept. 25, MLB 2024

On Wednesday, the Mets and the Braves will play their penultimate game against each other in the 2024 season. With a hair separating the two teams in the NL wild card race, every inning is sure to keep observers enthralled.

After its 5-1 loss to Atlanta in the season opener, New York's record against its NL East counterparts dropped to 5-6 on the season. Wednesday's game will be played at Truist Park in Atlanta at 7:20 p.m. EDT.

Mets vs. Braves recent form and records

The Mets' 87-70 record surprises many but still puts them 5.5 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. However, when it comes to the wild card race, the Mets currently occupy the second spot, a half-game up on the third-place D-Backs. 6-4 over its last 10 games, New York is coming off a heroic series win at home against the Phillies.

Despite winning 100 games last season, the postseason is looking like more and more of a challenge for Atlanta. The club's 86-71 record places it fourth in the NL wild card race. Also 6-4 in their last 10, Atlanta enters this series fresh off a series win over the Miami Marlins.

Players to watch

Starting Pitchers

NYM: David Peterson (9-3, 3.08 ERA) vs ATL: Chris Sale (18-3, 2.38 ERA)

Peterson has a 1.333 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9 and 93 K in 114 IP.

Last Start: Loss, 3.2 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 0 BB, 4 K vs PHI

Career vs ATL: 3-5 5.33 ERA (50.2 IP, 31 ER) 9 HR in 11 games

"Chris Sale goes back to the well with the slider for the K" - MLB

Sale has a 1.013 WHIP, 2 BB/9 and 225 K in 177.2 IP.

Last Start: Win, 5 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K vs CIN

Career vs NYM: 1-0 2.70 ERA (23.1 IP, 7 ER) 2 HR in four games

Must-Watch Hitters

New York

Over his last 12 games, Mets second baseman Jose Iglesias is 21-for-52, giving him a .404 batting average, which ranks third in MLB over the past 12 games. A 34-year-old veteran, Iglesias has hit .336/.379/.456 in 80 games with the Mets this year.

Although the Phillies did a good job of shutting down Pete Alonso in their recent series, the Polar Bear is finishing the season off strong. Over the last two weeks, Alonso has hit .286 with three home runs and nine RBIs.

Atlanta

Atlanta outfielder Michael Harris II has hit .583 over the past week, meaning he ranks behind only Shohei Ohtani for the highest average in that period. A .266 hitter through 105 games this season, Harris II has 14 RBIs and 17 runs scored in 35 career games against the Mets.

Matt Olson has also been swinging a hot bat. Over his last five games, Olson has hit three home runs and eight RBIs. An even .333 hitter since Sept. 1, Olson's bat will be critical for the remainder of Atlanta's postseason push.

"Great American Bandbox has a new daddy and his name is Matt Olson" - Not Gaetti

In addition to being a .310 hitter on the season, Marcell Ozuna leads his team in home runs and RBIs, with 39 and 102, respectively. Moreover, Ozuna has a pair of homers in his career against New York starter David Peterson.

Mets vs. Braves baseball betting odds

Wednesday 25/11	Money Line	Run Spread	Total Runs
New York Mets	+ 150	+ 1.5 -145	0 7.5 -105
Atlanta Braves	- 185	- 1.5 +120	U 7.5 -115

Mets vs. Braves expert picks and game prediction

While the Mets are undoubtedly fighting hard to make the postseason, the favor tips in Atlanta's favor. Not only are the Braves trotting out one of the best arms in MLB, but the team has fared well against the Mets this season and comes into Wednesday with one of the NL's best ERA numbers over the past week.

Over the last fortnight, both the Mets and the Braves have scored exactly 65 runs. However, the Braves have hit for a significantly higher average over that period. Expect it to be a hard-fought battle that results in a win for Atlanta.

Run Line: +1.5 -145

Total Runs: O 7.5 -105

Prediction: Braves W, 7-5