Here's how to watch the season-defining Mets-Braves doubleheader game for free

The MLB regular season ended yesterday, but the Mets and Braves will play Games 161 and 162 today – and there's a lot at stake.

The final two NL Wild Card playoff spots are still up for grabs, and there are many different scenarios for the Mets, Braves and Diamondbacks to continue play into October. To put it simply, the New York Mets control their own destiny.

RELATED: Why this Mets-Braves showdown last week won't be like 2022

The doubleheader takes place today because Hurricane Helene made landfall last week, forcing the league to postpone games on Wednesday and Thursday.

The stakes are high, but the Mets are prepared. Below is everything you need to tune in to tonight's doubleheader in New York And national.

Dates and Times Mets vs. Braves: When will the Mets play the Braves?

First pitch in Game 1 of the Mets-Braves doubleheader is scheduled for today, September 30, at 1:10 p.m. Game 2 begins approximately 40 minutes after the end of Game 1.

How can the Mets secure a spot in the wild card playoffs?

While there are many ways to get there, for the Mets (and the Braves too) it's simple: win and you're in.

If the Mets win Game 1, they will clinch a spot in the playoffs. If the Braves win Game 1, they will clinch a spot in the playoffs.

If the Mets lose Game 1 but win Game 2, they secure a playoff spot, and if the Braves lose Game 1 but win Game 2, they secure a playoff spot.

If a team wins both games of the doubleheader, it is in; The team that lost both halves of the doubleheader is out and the Arizona Diamondbacks are in.

What channel is the Mets game on?

Both halves of the Mets' doubleheader against the Braves will air on their home network SNY. If you have traditional cable and live in the New York metropolitan area, you can watch all three games on your television.

ESPN2 will also broadcast both halves of the doubleheader nationally (with a regional blackout in the New York area).

Here's how to watch Mets vs. Braves for free:

SNY

To watch SNY live, you need a live TV streaming service.

Our favorite is DIRECTV Stream because it includes regional sports channels (like SNY). You have to subscribe to this SELECTION Plan that includes a five-day free trial. After the trial ends, the DIRECTV Stream Choice plan costs $88.99/month.

If you live outside of New York, you can use the same free trial DIRECTV subscription to stream the games on ESPN2.

Probable starters between Mets and Braves:

In Game 1, Tylor Megill will start for the Mets, while the Braves will start Spencer Wechselbach.

Both Mets and Braves managers enter today's game with pitching plans based on the outcome of Game 1. If the Mets lose this game, Luis Severino will start Game 2, but if they win, the Mets plan to save him for Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series.

If the Braves lose Game 1, ace Chris Sale will start Game 2 on the mound.

Where do the Mets play?

The Mets play the Braves at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA.

Why Trust Post is wanted by the New York Post

This article was written by Angela Tricarico, trade writer/reporter for Post Wanted Shopping and Decider, the New York Post's streaming company. Angela keeps her readers up to date with free offers and information on how to watch their favorite sports teams, TV shows and movies on each streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she's also a superfan who specializes in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. Before joining Decider and New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer technology at Insider Reviews.