NEW YORK -- The New York Mets could clinch a wild-card spot as soon as Friday, but they will need help beyond simply beating the Philadelphia Phillies in the series opener at Citizens Bank Park.
The St. Louis Cardinals’ controversial victory on Thursday against the Cincinnati Reds kept the Mets’ magic number at two to secure a postseason spot. St. Louis won on a walk-off RBI double by Yadier Molina. The Reds wanted to challenge the play, claiming it was a ground-rule double that warranted the winning run going back to third base.