Mets clinch 1st playoff spot since ’06 by beating Reds 10-2

“It’s not easy, but the main thing is I want to be out there with my teammates more than anything”, Harvey said, referring to the criticism he received. “When you’re in rehab, this is what you dream of”.

Cincinnati Reds’ Jay Bruce hits a single in the third inning of a…

Saturday’s victory was also New York’s franchise-record 10th straight on the road. And to be able to celebrate with these fans, this city, this team – incredible feeling.

The Mets” magic number is “1.’ If they beat the Reds today or if the Washington Nationals lose, the Mets are NL East champions.

As Wright’s champagne-and-beer-soaked shirt proclaimed: “The East Is Ours”.

Harvey, embroiled in a public innings-cap controversy, quietly approached manager Terry Collins a few days ago and said he wanted to go deep into this game. However, in a season that has had more than its fair share of magical moments, the Mets had to deliver one more. “I’d rather it not happen in our ballpark”. However, not many saw them running away and hiding in NL East while the Washington Nationals faded into the background. The contrast with the celebrating Mets was stark. That being said, you have to acknowledge the Mets. “You look back on our year”.

“… We know what it was like in 2010 to be a team that hadn’t been in the postseason for a little bit to get in it. It’s an exciting time for them”. You’re happy for them. “At the same time, it’s a kick in the rear end”.

DENVER – David Hale, making his first start since August, 23 held Los Angeles to one run in five innings to earn the victory.

After two September collapses, the Bernie Madoff financial scandal and nine years of frustration, thousands of blue-clad New York fans along for the trip chanted “Let’s go Mets!” from Lucas Duda’s first swing — a grand slam in the first — until the team returned to the field following a champagne celebration to high-five their supporters. The homer was the left-handed-hitting Duda’s seventh of the season against southpaws and the eighth grand slam allowed by Reds pitchers this season.

After Reds shortstop Ivan De Jesus smacked a two-run double into right in the second inning, the Metsies answered with two more runs in the form of a Michael Cuddyer two-run double. They’ve allowed 25 runs in the first three games of the four-game series with the Mets.

“This is a different era at a different age, OK?” said Collins, who is the oldest manager in baseball at age 66.

Going into the top of the ninth inning, the Mets dugout began bouncing, joyfully awaiting the final out.

“We talked with each guy”, Collins said in late May. “He could help us out.”… Jeurys Familia pitched the ninth for his 42nd save in 47 chances, one shy of Armando Benitez’s club record from 2001. Benitez logged 43 in 2001….

They’re hoping Jacob deGrom will be revitalized in his first start in almost two weeks Sunday when they face the Cincinnati Reds seeking an 11th consecutive road win.