PHILADELPHIA — The Mets faced the Braves, another archrival in the National League East, in the playoffs, but the Phillies were something new.
Game 1 of the NLDS on Saturday will be played at Citizens Bank Park, marking the first time the division rivals will meet in the postseason.
The last time the Mets faced a divisional foe in the postseason was in 1999, when the Mets lost to the Braves in the NLCS.
Mets' postseason opponents since: Giants, Cardinals, Yankees, Dodgers, Cardinals, Dodgers, Cubs, Royals, Giants, Padres, Brewers.
“Philadelphia vs. Mets playoff baseball is going to be intense,” Brandon Nimmo said. “For both fan bases, this is exactly what you want.”
The element of closeness between teams only intensifies.
The Mets showed they can hold their own against the Phillies with four wins and three losses in the final two series of the season.
“I think we've learned with the rivalry that we have that this place gets loud as we play in close games and things like that,” said David Peterson. “And that's what you want. You want that playoff atmosphere. 'I think we're ready. It's exciting.'” As Mets fans always do, it's clear they're on track. We hope to be able to travel to , and we hope to be able to support you in the building. ”
The “Playoff Pumpkin” that Pete Alonso unveiled in the clubhouse after Thursday's Wild Card Series-clinching win in Milwaukee is the Mets' newest addition to the “OMG” signs held up to celebrate Grimas and home runs. It was a collective effort.
“We've been through a lot and people give credit to so many different people,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “We've got good players, we've got great talent, and we're going to continue to have fun, ride the wave and see what happens.”
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Peterson said he learned about the playoff pumpkin in the past few days.
“I think it's all just fun for us and just keeping the good spirit we've had and continuing to enjoy the ride,” Peterson said.
Kodai Chiga and Tyler Megill will be on the NLDS roster (both announced by Coach Mendoza on Friday), leaving two final-round pitchers out.
Candidates include Max Kranjic, Huascar Brazoban and Adam Ottavino.
