Mets Swept by Braves, Lose First NL East Lead to Phillies

The New York Mets have hit a troubling slump, suffering a five-game losing streak that included a sweep by the Atlanta Braves—marking the 17th such sweep by Atlanta since 1998. This downturn erased the Mets’ five-game lead in the National League East, tying them with the surging Philadelphia Phillies as they head into a pivotal rivalry series. Despite the addition of star Juan Soto, the Mets’ vulnerabilities have resurfaced, particularly in matchups against the Braves, who leveraged this series to potentially revive their own season, despite being 10 games behind in the division. Atlanta’s recent success has been buoyed by strong home performances and standout players like Austin Riley and Ronald Acuna, while the Mets’ Pete Alonso remains a key contributor amid the team's struggles. The Mets’ immediate focus is on halting their slide, as foundational cracks appear to threaten their previously commanding position in the standings. With both teams’ histories and proximity fueling an intense rivalry, the next series against the Phillies could prove critical for the Mets’ season trajectory.