While the New York Mets currently maintain a substantial lead over the Atlanta Braves in the National League East standings, Atlanta has nonetheless proven repeatedly capable of besting New York head-to-head. That dominance was reaffirmed this week with a commanding series sweep that showcased the Braves’ continued control when facing the Mets.
Atlanta opened the 2025 season’s head-to-head play against New York with a sweep, culminating in a decisive 7–1 win at Truist Park on Thursday evening. This recent result extends the Braves’ impressive run, positioning them with a 20-9 all-time record against the Mets since the start of 2023. Notably, when playing at home dating back to the start of the 2022 season, the Braves have an even more lopsided advantage: 18 wins to just 7 losses against New York.
The timing of this latest sweep could not have been more advantageous for Atlanta. As the series began, Atlanta was trailing New York in the division standings by 13 games. Philadelphia held a similarly comfortable gap over the Braves, also in double digits. However, with the three-game sweep, Atlanta closed the Mets’ divisional lead by three games in as many days. Simultaneously, New York dropped its sixth straight game, falling into a tie for first place with Philadelphia.
Despite these gains, the Braves remain ten games under .500 (34-39) and are still well behind the Mets in the division race. Yet the late-June series arrives at a pivotal juncture for Atlanta’s season. On June 8, they hit their lowest point at 10 games below .500. Now, kicking off a 13-game stretch entirely within NL East opponents, the Braves have responded emphatically, entering that stretch with a clean 3-0 record thanks to their sweep of the Mets.
Next up for Atlanta: a four-game set in New York, starting Monday, June 23. Following that, the Braves will visit the Miami Marlins over the weekend and will then return home to face the Phillies at the end of June.
Since the low point on June 9, Atlanta has posted a solid 7-2 record, including three straight series wins, capped off by their series over the Mets. Ice cold streaks are common over the course of a season, but stringing together series wins—especially sweeps—is the surest method to make up significant ground in the standings. That’s particularly important against other contenders in the division.
And it’s precisely why the sweep of the Mets was so meaningful. While there remains plenty of work to be done for the Braves, their recent performances show a surge of momentum. If Atlanta continues to play this type of baseball—and maintains the ability to sweep other division rivals—they just might make this race competitive yet.
Atlanta’s Head-to-Head Dominance
Since 2023: Braves leading Mets 20–9.
At Truist Park since 2022: Braves 18–7 vs. Mets.
That consistency underscores Atlanta’s comfort and confidence when playing New York, regardless of current standings.
The June Turning Point
June 8: Braves at 10 games under .500—their nadir.
Since then, a 7-2 record and three consecutive series wins have reinvigorated their season.
The sweep of the Mets isn’t just symbolic—it’s transformative in the standings, reducing the Mets’ lead and tying them for first with the Phils.
Remaining Schedule and Stakes
Upcoming Series:
1. 4 games vs. Mets in New York, starting June 23.
2. Weekend series at Miami Marlins.
3. Weekend series at home vs. Philadelphia Phillies.
These three series are entirely within the division—a rare midseason 13-game stretch focused solely on East foes. Success here can dramatically shift the power dynamics in the National League East.
The Importance of Sweeps
In division races, winning series matters—but sweeping series is the fast-track to making up ground. Atlanta’s recent sweep delivered a major dent in the Mets’ lead in three days.
To continue their climb, the Braves will need to repeat the payload effect: winning consecutive games and piling onto win streaks against high-level opponents.
Looking Forward
Atlanta’s recent resurgence shows how quickly a season can turn.
Standing 34–39, they remain ten games under .500—far from comfortable. But with division rivals faltering, the Braves’ blend of timing and head-to-head performance gives them a real shot at a comeback.
Should Atlanta manage to sustain this level of play, especially in head-to-head divisional matchups, the National League East could grow increasingly congested—and competitive—heading into July.
Final Take
The Braves’ systematic domination of the Mets—both this season and at home over the past few seasons—has been striking. While the Mets have looked like the clear class of the division, Atlanta’s head-to-head upper hand is a potent reminder: a team can dominate its division opponent yet remain behind in the standings. Nevertheless, the sweep this week couldn’t have come at a better time for Atlanta.
As the Braves fight back from their early June slump, reemerging as contenders, they’ve also given themselves a ploy: momentum and psychological edge. If they continue to sweep—or at least dominate—division games, they’ll not only shorten the gap in the standings but may well control the narrative of the division race heading into summer.
In short: the Mets may still lead on paper, but the Braves are firmly asserting both dominance and belief—one sweep at a time.
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