After a rollercoaster season, the New York Mets secured a playoff spot with a thrilling 8-7 victory over the Atlanta Braves in a makeup doubleheader. The Mets, who were 11 games under .500 just four months ago, overcame the odds to advance to the NL Wild Card Series.
The game was a nail-biter, with Francisco Lindor's ninth-inning homer propelling the Mets to victory. This win sets up a best-of-three series starting Tuesday against either the Milwaukee Brewers or the San Diego Padres. If the Mets win the second game, they will face the Padres, but a loss would mean a matchup against the Brewers.
This remarkable turnaround for the Mets began with a rocky start of 0-5, but the team rallied together and finished the season with an impressive 67-39 record, the best in the majors. Lindor, who returned from a back injury just days before the crucial game, played a pivotal role in leading the team to victory.
One key moment in the Mets' season was a players-only meeting called by Lindor after a tough loss to the Dodgers in May. The team used this meeting to address issues, refocus on positivity, effective preparation, and a team-first mentality. Since then, the Mets have been on a winning streak, outscoring opponents 541-430.
Despite being the top spenders in baseball, with a projected payroll of $321 million for the season, the Mets had a disappointing season last year. However, under new ownership, the team has shown resilience and determination to make it to the playoffs this year.
As the Mets gear up for the Wild Card Series, fans are eagerly anticipating more thrilling moments from this resilient team that has defied the odds to secure a spot in the postseason.
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