New York Mets Clinch Spot In NLCS With One Swing

New York Mets Shortstop Francisco Lindor propelled the team to the NLCS with a grand slam in the bottom of the sixth inning. The New York Mets won 4-1 to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies and advance. For the first time in the history of Citi Field, the Mets clinched a playoff series in front of their home fans. New York's offense had countless opportunities to take an early lead but was unable to capitalize. They left the bases loaded in both the bottom of the first and second innings.

The Philadelphia Phillies scored in the top of the fourth inning on a fielding error by NY First Baseman Mark Vientos. New York Mets Starting Pitcher Jose Quintana did a stellar job limiting the damage to one run by stranding runners on first and third to end the threat. New York then left two runners on in the bottom of the fifth inning.

The pressure remained on the Mets pitching staff this evening. New York was able to skate around trouble in the top of the sixth inning. They had runners on first and second with one out and allowed no runs to cross the plate. New York's offense came alive in the bottom of the sixth and Lindor dealt the final blow. Will the New York Mets be able to continue their tremendous playoff run in the NLCS?

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New York Mets Come Up Clutch

Both starting pitchers did well tonight to limit the damage in their respective starts. Philadelphia Phillies Starting Pitcher Ranger Suarez tossed 4.1 scoreless innings and punched out eight. He was let down by his bullpen this evening as they surrendered four earned runs in 3.2 innings. A poor performance by Philadelphia's relievers tonight sent Philadelphia packing.

New York Mets Starting Pitcher Jose Quintana surrendered one unearned over five innings of work. The Mets bullpen tossed four scoreless innings to send New York to the NLCS. Closer Edwin Diaz made things interesting in the ninth inning as the first two runners of the inning reached base. He proceeded to strand all three. Neither ballclub was good in Game 4 with RISP. Philadelphia went 0-of-9 while New York went 3-of-15.

This series seemed destined for a winner-take-all Game 5 on Friday, but Lindor made sure that wasn't the case. New York is moving on thanks to timely hitting, something they have been doing over the last few months.

New York's Next Opponent

While the New York Mets have clinched their spot in the NLCS, the other series is far from settled. Game 4 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres will take place tonight in San Diego, California. The Padres lead the series 2-1 and can clinch their spot in the NLCS later this evening. Regardless of who wins the other series, New York will begin the NLCS on Sunday in California.

New York experienced success against the Padres this season. They took five of seven games from San Diego in the regular season. Los Angeles took four of six from the New York Mets in the regular season. After such a strong last few months, the New York Mets have the feel of a team of destiny. Their job is far from done though as a tough opponent awaits them in the next round.

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Article originally written by Justin Rimpi