Tyler Mahle makes home debut in rubber match versus the Mets

ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 11: Tyler Mahle #54 of the Atlanta Braves smiles after the game against the New York Mets at Truist Park on August 11, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jack Casey/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Atlanta Braves losing the season series to this iteration of the

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What is the story about?

The Atlanta Braves losing the season series to this iteration of the New York Metropolitans is some pure and unadulterated NL East silliness.

This hilariously frustrating run between division rivals comes to a close this evening. The Braves and Mets will face off for the final time this season at 7:15 pm ET.

Bryce Elder and Martin Perez had some diametrically opposed starts in Games 1 and 2 – so what will Tyler Mahle bring to Game 3 in his first start in front of the home crowd?

Mahle (3-9, 4.83 ERA)

went toe-to-toe with old friend Max Fried in the Yankees series opener. In a battle of #54s, Mahle spun six scoreless innings of three-hit ball. He tossed 92 pitches, walked two batters, and struck out nine. Other than receiving a no-decision in the extra-innings loss, there was a lot to like about Mahle’s first start in a Braves uniform. Sean Murphy turning Mahle into an ace? Sign me up.

The Mets have little history against Mahle – Francisco Lindor leads the team with 10 ABs (.200 AVG, .473 OPS). Jorge Polanco and Luis Robert Jr. are tied with 6 ABs and matching .167 averages. Second baseman Marcus Semien and catcher Francisco Alvarez have a homer apiece.

The Braves have even less experience against Mets lefty Zac Thornton (3-2, 2.52 ERA). The rookie last faced Atlanta on July 27 and was the winning pitcher in the Connor Thomas sacrifice game. Thornton only needed 81 pitches to get through 6.1 innings. He was tagged for six hits and all three Braves runs of the game, including an Ozzie Albies two-run homer. Ozzie was also responsible for driving in the other run, which accounts for his .667 AVG in team-leading 3 ABs. Ronald Acuña Jr., Drake Baldwin, and Michael Harris II also have singles against him.

Thornton’s outings since have been against Miami (4.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R (3 earned), 3 BB) and Pittsburgh (5.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB).

Series finale, rubber match, final matchup with the Mets – it’d be a sweet one to win before the off day tomorrow.