Photos: Braves-Mets, the rivalry continues

Sports

Photos: Braves-Mets, the rivalry continues

A look at the recent history between the National League Eastern Division rivals.

Braves vs. Mets: The faces may change but the intensity remains the same when the division rivals meet.

The rivalry - already intense by nature - usually takes on added importance when there are playoff implications at stake. This week, the teams are fighting for wild card berths in the upcoming National League playoffs.

The Braves defeated the Mets 5-1 Tuesday in the first of a three-game series at Truist Park.

The final two games of the series could be in jeopardy with Tropical Storm Helene brewing. The forecast projects heavy rain over the next two days.

Thursday’s game, especially, looks unlikely to be played because of inclement weather. There’s a chance the teams might be forced to reconvene in Atlanta on Monday for a makeup game if necessary.

Mets slugger Pete Alonso was the central figure in a pair of notable moments in the rivalry during the 2023 season. It all began after his taunting of Braves pitcher Bryce Elder after this mammoth home run during the June 6 matchup.

The day after the big home run and taunt, Pete Alonso was hit on the wrist by a pitch from Braves pitcher Charlie Morton. After missing some time with an injury, Alonso returned to the Mets' lineup and was hit by a pitch from Bryce Elder during a game in August.

Braves third baseman Austin Riley will miss this week's games with an injury, but had this to say prior to a key three-game series against the Mets in 2022: 'Definitely (it’s a rivalry), they want to beat us just as bad as we want to beat them.'

The Braves would eventually sweep the three-game series against Mets and eventually win another NL East championship.

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Braves vs. Mets: The faces may change but the intensity remains the same when the division rivals meet.

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