Mets Morning News: Mets clinch Wild Card tie, one game away from playoffs

Meet the Mets

The Mets find themselves one game away from the postseason after a commanding victory against the Phillies. Robert Gsellman took the mound and delivered another strong performance. He was aided by the bat of the newly-resurgent Jay Bruce, who homered in his third straight game to help lead the Mets to a 5-1 victory in Philadelphia.

A Cardinals loss or a Mets victory are now all that stand between the Mets and a once-improbable trip to postseason play. The Mets have also assured themselves of at least a play-in game against the Cardinals. There will be a 163rd game!

Choose your recap: Amazin’ Avenue short and long, NY Post, Daily News, MLB.com, ESPN, NJ.com, Bergen County Record, Newsday, New York Times, Faith and Fear in Flushing.

Wilmer Flores is all but officially done for the season, according to Terry Collins.

Collins spoke out about the Cardinals’ dubious victory over the Reds, taking a critical, but reserved position. Reds manager Bryan Price was far less reserved, calling it a “crime.”

Bartolo Colon didn’t pitch last night because he didn’t want to pitch on short rest.

Matt Varvaro makes the Cy Young case for Noah Syndergaard.

Around the Wild Card Race

Matt Holliday hit a pinch hit home run WITH A BROKEN FINGER, in what may have been his last at-bat as a Cardinal to help lead St. Louis to a 7-0 victory over the Pirates and keep them from falling out of the Wild Card race.

The Giants beat up on the Dodgers in a 9-3 victory. Angel Pagan body-slammed a fan who ran onto the field.

Around the NL East

The Braves lost to the Tigers 6-2.

Washington dropped a game to the Marlins 7-4 and continue to limp into the postseason. Washington is just 5-5 over its last ten games.

The Jersey that was stolen from a memorial service at Jose Fernandez’s high school has been returned.

Around MLB

David Ortiz, who continues to have one of best farewell seasons of all time, hit a two-run homer to kick off his final regular season series at Fenway.

The Texas Rangers clinched home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Alex Rodriguez began his new career as a Yankees instructor in Florida.

Carlos Rodon struck out seven straight to start his game against the Twins. He’s the first AL player to accomplish the feat since 1986.

Yesterday at AA

Timothy Finnegan analyzed the changes Asdrubal Cabrera has made since coming off the disabled list.

Steve Schreiber delivered another edition of This Week in SNY.

Joe Sokolowski brought you another “This Week in Mets Quotes.”

There’s a new Amazin’ Avenue Audio podcast out.

Aaron Yorke previewed the Mets/Phillies series.

This Date in Mets History

The 1973 Mets clinched on this date. Will the 2016 Mets join them?