NEW YORK -- For a pair of teams associated with a heated rivalry, the truth is the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves rarely fought for a playoff berth at the same time over the past 15 seasons.
Perhaps that will change beginning Monday when the Mets host the Braves in the season opener for both teams at Citi Field.
Right-hander Noah Syndergaard, who has an 0-1 record with a 5.22 ERA in three career starts against the Braves, is scheduled to take the mound for the Mets, who are trying to reach the postseason for a franchise-record third straight season.