New York Mets at Atlanta Braves 8/18/22 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The New York Mets will close out a four-game set with the Atlanta Braves in a battle between the top of the NL East. The Mets have lost the opening two games of the series, managing just 1 run in their first two games and dropping to 75-42 which leaves them just 3.5 games up in the race for the NL East. The Braves have won eight of their last ten games including five in a row, sweeping the Marlins and continuing to put pressure on the Mets.

The Mets have been one of the best teams in baseball all season long and is fourth in the MLB in scoring offense averaging 4.73 runs per game. First baseman Pete Alonso continues to be one of the best hitters in baseball and with 97 RBIs is second in the league, Alonso also leads the team with 28 home runs.

Jacob deGrom will get the ball for the Mets in hopes of continuing to build off his last three starts. DeGrom was injured for a majority of the season but since coming back has allowed just one earned run, has allowed just six hits, and struck out 28 batters in 16.2 innings. deGrom is obviously a dominant pitcher but their were questions about his injuries, he has hushed those critics quickly.

Atlanta has also had a great season after their World Series last season, Atlanta started the season with a bit of a hangover but has pulled themselves back into the mix. The Braves are fourth in the league in scoring offense averaging 4.87 runs per game. It’s a balanced squad with a ton of weapons and the addition of first baseman Matt Olson has been impactful as he leads the team with 79 RBIs.

Atlanta has not announced a starting pitcher but does have a solid pitching staff that is sixth in the MLB in ERA. The Braves have allowed just six total runs across their last six, and the Mets bats have struggled to get anything going in this series. Even if Atlanta opts for a bullpen day, they should be in fine hands with their bullpen.