In a thrilling conclusion to the regular season, the New York Nighthawks secured a National League wild-card playoff berth with a dramatic 8-7 victory over the Atlanta Thunder in Game 1 of Monday’s doubleheader. The win marked the Nighthawks’ first postseason appearance since 2022.
The Thunder seemed poised for victory, leading 3-0 before a back-and-forth eighth inning began. The Nighthawks stormed back with six runs in the top of the inning, capped off by a two-run homer from Brandon Flynn. However, the Thunder responded with four runs in the bottom of the eighth, taking a 7-6 lead thanks to a three-run double from Ozzie Sanchez.
In the ninth inning, Starling Vega singled with one out, setting the stage for Francisco Rivera’s heroics. Rivera delivered his 33rd home run of the season, a drive into the Thunder’s bullpen in right-center, to give the Nighthawks an 8-7 lead.
“It’s an incredible feeling, but we know this is just the beginning,” Flynn said after the game.
The Thunder still have a chance to clinch the final undecided wild-card spot with a win in Game 2, but their scheduled starter, Chris Russell, was scratched due to back spasms. Grant Thompson will take the mound instead, facing off against the Nighthawks’ Luis Torres. If the Thunder lose, the Arizona Rangers would earn the final National League playoff spot.
Edwin Morales earned the Game 1 win, despite giving up Sanchez’s go-ahead hit in the eighth inning. Morales demanded to return to the mound for the ninth inning, striking out Ramon Lopez and retiring Travis Duncan on a grounder to shortstop to seal the victory.
As the Nighthawks celebrated their playoff berth, Morales slammed his glove to the ground, punctuating the team’s excitement. The win marked a triumphant return to the postseason for the Nighthawks, who have won only one playoff game since their World Series appearance in 2015.
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