Braves Face Padres in NL Wild Card Series

The Atlanta Braves secured their seventh consecutive playoff appearance by defeating the New York Mets 3-0 in the second game of a doubleheader, overcoming a season marred by injuries to key players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider. They will now face the San Diego Padres in the NL Wild Card Series, starting Tuesday. Meanwhile, Padres pitcher Michael King, acquired in the Juan Soto trade, has been named the Game 1 starter after a strong regular season where he posted a 2.95 ERA and 201 strikeouts. The Braves, despite a rocky finish to the season and a fluctuating lineup, managed to clinch a playoff spot by winning one of two critical games. The series promises to be intense, as San Diego boasts a strong home-field advantage at Petco Park, which has experienced record attendance. Both teams aim to capitalize on their strengths to advance in the postseason.