Off the strength of Bartolo Colon and a unique James Loney bat flip, the New York Mets have clinched home field in the NL Wild Card Game.
- New York Mets 5 (87-74)
- Philadelphia Phillies 3 (70-91)
- NL, Final, Box Score
- Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
It was an ordinary looking home run with a not-so-ordinary looking finish at the plate.
James Loney‘s unique bat-flip at home plate of Citizens Bank Park on Saturday afternoon put the exclamation point on a 2016 season for the New York Mets that provides nothing but sheer grit and determination.
This Mets club, who’s battled injury and adversity all season long, knocked off the Philadelphia Phillies 5-3 to claim home-field advantage in the NL Wild Card Game to take place this coming Wednesday night in Flushing.
One game, Wednesday night at Citi Field. No crying, just a chance to play for the right to face the Cubbies. #Mets #NLWildCard pic.twitter.com/WDIAXRYQhW
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) October 1, 2016
Bartolo Colon took the ball from manager Terry Collins today and sparkled. His five innings of work saw only two Philly runs cross the plate. He struck out six and allowed five hits.
A Ryan Howard solo home run off reliever Fernando Salas was the only blemish on the day in a strong bullpen effort by the Amazins.
Jeurys Familia wrapped it up in style:
James Loney's reaction to his go-ahead home run in the 6th inning was absolutely priceless. #Mets pic.twitter.com/cwc958MfSU
— Rich MacLeod (@richmacleod) October 1, 2016
Asdrubal Cabrera finished 2-for-4 with a RBI and Jose Reyes chipped in with a hit and an RBI himself.
The Mets 87th win of the season now assures them a date on Wednesday night at Citi Field with their ace, Noah Syndergaard, on the mound. There will be no crying, only the right to face the Chicago Cubs in the NLDS.
You think these guys like Terry Collins? If you're a TC basher, please, look in the mirror for a solid few hours.#Mets #NLWildCard pic.twitter.com/CrSQCVV8Cs
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) October 1, 2016
