Mets Break 24-Year Playoff Series Drought with Victory in Queens

October 9, 2024; New York, NY – Francisco Lindor celebrates after the Mets’ victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 4 of the NLDS at Citi Field. (Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images)

QUEENS, NY – After decades of postseason disappointments, the New York Mets have finally ended their 24-year playoff series drought, securing their first home-field playoff series win since 2000.

Francisco Lindor’s electrifying grand slam in the sixth inning powered the Mets to a 6-2 triumph over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 4 of the National League Division Series (NLDS) on Wednesday night. The victory, which took place at Citi Field, not only propelled the Mets into the National League Championship Series (NLCS) but also rewarded the long-suffering Mets fanbase with a long-awaited taste of October glory.

It was a historic night for the Mets, as they clinched their first postseason series at home since their NLCS victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in 2000 at Shea Stadium. This marked Citi Field’s inaugural postseason series win, a milestone 15 years since the stadium’s opening.

“This is a moment for the fans,” said Mets manager Carlos Mendoza. “Francisco [Lindor] said it best – ‘Mets Nation’ has endured so much. This win is for them. They deserve to believe in this team and celebrate.”

The Mets are now set for their first NLCS appearance since 2015 when they won their last playoff series and advanced to the World Series.

Veteran outfielder Brandon Nimmo, a key figure in the Mets’ resurgence, reflected on the journey. Having joined the team in 2016 and enduring two Wild Card game losses during his tenure, Nimmo finally relished the taste of postseason success.

“I thought we’d be here every year,” Nimmo admitted. “But it’s 2024, and I’ve just won my first postseason series in the Wild Card and now the NLDS. It makes you appreciate how hard this is to achieve. Winning the first series at Citi Field is a dream come true.”

Looking ahead, the Mets will travel for the first two games of the NLCS, either against the Los Angeles Dodgers or the San Diego Padres, before returning to Citi Field for up to three potential home games. With a trip to the World Series at stake, anticipation is building, but the team remains focused on the moment.

Mendoza’s “one-day-at-a-time” philosophy has grounded the Mets, ensuring they savor their success while keeping their eyes on the ultimate prize. For now, though, they are enjoying the sweet victory in front of their loyal home crowd.

“It was incredible,” said left-hander David Peterson, who pitched 2.1 scoreless innings in relief. “The energy from our fans was electric, and they were with us every step of the way. I’ll never forget to clinch at home and share this moment with them.”

As the Mets advance, the lights at Citi Field will continue to shine bright, hoping to add another chapter to their growing playoff legacy.

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