Mets Morning News: Welcome to the Wild Card

Meet the Mets

Saturday’s win in Philadelphia was a fairly important one. Propelled by a solid Bartolo Colon start, a James Loney home run, and a little timely hitting, the Mets guaranteed they’ll play in—and host—this year’s National League Wild Card game. It’s only the second time in the franchise’s history that the team has made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. The win also makes Sunday afternoon’s regular season finale a glorified exhibition, giving the team some time to rest before the big game Wednesday night in Flushing.

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

Considering where this team was in the standings around mid-August, this playoff berth was improbable, to say the least. Here’s how the Mets clawed their way back to the postseason.

It didn’t come as a surprise, but Noah Syndergaard is officially starting Wednesday’s game.

Sunday’s action is still meaningful, in order to determine whether the Giants or Cardinals are coming to Citi Field. But the Mets say they’re prepared either way.

One player on the roster with Wild Card Game experience is trade deadline addition Jay Bruce. Despite the road team’s track record of success in these games, he says playing at home can be a major factor.

Even though it was October 1, Saturday’s win capped off a magical September stretch run for the Mets. Here’s a look back at the best September moments in the team’s history.

Around the Wild Card

The Giants got to Clayton Kershaw and kept the Dodgers off the scoreboard, getting them one win away from clinching the league’s 2nd Wild Card spot.

In St. Louis, the Cardinals came back in dramatic fashion to beat the Pirates. The win keeps their playoff chances alive, but only just. They’ll need a win and a San Francisco loss Sunday afternoon in order to force a play-in game.

Around the NL East

The Nationals earned a win against the Marlins, sealing up home field advantage in their NLDS series against the Dodgers.

For Miami, the loss guaranteed they will finish below .500 for the 7th straight season.

The Braves played spoiler in the Tigers’ playoff push behind a great start from rookie Aaron Blair.

Around the Majors

Over in the American League, the Blue Jays got a win against Boston, putting them back into a dead heat with the Orioles.

Both teams have a 1.5 game lead over Detroit, but if the Tigers win and one of them loses, things could get messy. Here’s a breakdown of the remaining possible scenarios.

Curse? What curse? Cubs starter Jon Lester has given his club some lofty expectations heading into the playoffs.

Regarding the Chicago team not in the playoffs, don’t expect Robin Ventura back in the White Sox dugout next year.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Need I (or Eric Goodman) remind you that the Mets clinched a Wild Card berth?

It means speculation has officially begun as to who should make the playoff roster. Steve Schreiber takes a closer look.

The win kicked off a nice celebration in Philadelphia. Linda Surovich rounded up some of the party’s best moments.

This Date in Mets History

Eleven years ago on this date, Mike Piazza played his final game in a Mets uniform. The now hall-of-famer got ovations in each of his three at bats that day, and was given a rousing round of applause when he was pulled from the game in the 8th inning.