Mets clinch 1st NL East title since 2006
After nine long years of waiting, the New York Mets are heading back to the postseason.
The Mets clinched their first National League East title since 2006 with a 10-2 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday. Matt Harvey allowed two runs on nine hits over 6 2/3 innings of work on 97 pitches and Lucas Duda belted a grand slam in the first inning to send the Mets back to the postseason.
(Courtesy: MLB.com)
"We deserve this. The fans deserve it," Mets third baseman David Wright said during celebrations. "The city of New York deserves it. I'm glad we could deliver for them. ... I can't be more excited or more proud to wear the orange and blue. I bleed orange and blue. To be able to celebrate with these fans, this city, this team, is a privilege."
Although New York (88-67) now has the sixth division title in club history under wraps, the Mets are still engaged in an intense battle for home-field advantage in a potential playoff series with the Los Angeles Dodgers (87-66).
METS POSTSEASON RESULTS
| YEAR | ROUND | OPP | RESULT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | NLCS | Cardinals | Lost 4-3 |
| 2000 | World Series | Yankees | Lost 4-1 |
| 1999 | NLCS | Braves | Lost 4-2 |
| 1988 | NLCS | Dodgers | Lost 4-3 |
| 1986 | World Series | Red Sox | Won 4-3 |
| 1973 | World Series | Athletics | Lost 4-3 |
| 1969 | World Series | Orioles | Won 4-1 |
Duda has erupted to swat three homers and collect 12 RBIs in the last three games against the Reds, while Harvey's season-innings total is now 183 1/3 - 10 outs beyond his recommended limit coming off Tommy John surgery.
"He (Harvey) came to me the other day and he said, 'I'm pitching. I want to throw at least 100 pitches,'" Mets manager Terry Collins revealed. '"Whatever it takes.'"
The Mets will go for the four-game sweep of the Reds on Sunday when they turn the ball over to Jacob deGrom. Cincinnati will counter with righty Keyvius Sampson.
New York's victory also eliminated the Washington Nationals, who were heavily favored to win the division this year, from playoff contention.