Braves-Mets Double Header FAQ for Diamondbacks Loyals.

All three teams are in a virtual tie at the moment in terms of “games back”. The D-backs finished their regular season with an 89-73 record. The Braves and Mets have identical 88-72 records.

Why are the Mets and Braves playing a double header after the regular season ended?

Hurricane Helen forced the cancellation of these two games that were originally scheduled to be played Wednesday and Thursday, September 25 and 26.

What is the tie-breaker and why does it hurt the Diamondbacks chances?

The first tie-breaker for the Wild Card standings is head-to-head records during the regular season.

The D-backs need one of the two teams playing today to sweep the double header. If they split the double header, then both teams finish 89-73, and the Diamondbacks season is over due to the tie-breaker mentioned above.

What are the actual scenarios?

Scenario 1: Mets sweep, Braves are eliminated. The Mets are number five seed and travel to San Diego to play the Padres. The Diamondbacks fly to Milwaukee to play the Brewers

Scenario 2: Braves sweep and play Padres, Mets are eliminated, Diamondbacks play Brewers.

Megill has given up just one earned run in his last 16 innings, striking out 19 while walking six. He throws six different pitches, including a four-seamer that averages 96 MPH. When he avoids walks, he’s very tough.

Spencer Schwellenbach is a 24 year rookie who made 20 starts for the Braves. He went 8-7 with a 3.47 ERA and 3.48 FIP. He has impeccable command, walking just 1.9 batters per nine innings. He’s also a six pitch pitcher with a 96 MPH fastball. He’s got a slider for righties and a splitter for lefties.

Schwellenbach has also been spectacular his last three starts, giving up just four runs in 19 innings, for a 1.89 ERA