Thursday, August 18's slate of MLB games includes the finale of a four-game series between the New York Mets (76-42) and Atlanta Braves (72-47). With the playoffs nearing, a win for either team is crucial if they hope to win the NL East.
The series hasn't gone exactly the way that the Mets planned. After winning four of five games against the Braves nearly two weeks ago, New York has dropped the first two games of the series before winning, 9-7, on Wednesday.
The Braves currently trail the Mets by 4.5 games in the divisional race, meaning the defending World Series Champions could use a w in here. Atlanta needs to get off to a better start after going down 4-0 after the first two innings on Wednesday.
The Mets are sending the always-dominant Jacob deGrom in as their starter while talented southpaw Max Fried takes to the mound for the Braves.