Game 141: Mets vs. Marlins @ Shea Stadium*

How sweet it is, how sweet it is. For the first time since 1988, the Mets are once again the champions of the National League East. In a season so reminiscent of 1986, the Mets finally got it done after being swept by the Pirates over the weekend. While the Phillies managed to keep winning, it left the Mets the opportunity to clinch in their own hands. Steve Trachsel, currently the longest tenured Met, would take the mound tonight and would put forth a stellar effort. Pitching six plus innings for his team-leading 15th win, Trachsel would get it done once more. However, it would be a relatively new Met who would do much of the damage tonight. Jose Valentin, continuing his great comeback season, would give the hyped fans at Shea something to cheer about in the third inning. With Shawn Green on base, Valentin would hit a lined shot over the right field wall to send the crowd into a frenzy. He would do the same in the bottom of the fifth to collect his 17th home run of the season and put the Mets up 3-0. Cliff Floyd would deliver the final Met run by hitting an rbi single to right field to score Carlos Beltran. Guillermo Mota and Aaron Heilman would pitch the seventh and eight innings, respectively. As they have done so many times this season, they kept the Marlins at bay by throwing scoreless inning. Then, Met shareholders everywhere began to sit at the edge of their seats. With just three more outs needed to take back the division from the rival Braves, Billy Wagner would come on to try and get the save. Wagner would quickly induce two fly balls outs to right field. Then, Josh Willingham would hit a fly ball to left field directly to Cliff Floyd. Bring on the champagne! Wagner and Paul Lo Duca would embrace each other in front of the mound and the party would begin. Floyd would jump in excitement as the entire Met team would celebrate on the field. The 2006 New York Mets had finally done it. Through hard-work, grit, determination and exciting baseball, they had clinched the National League East and are now on their way to the post-season. Here's to good luck, good baseball, and most of all a World Series Championship. Let's Go Mets!
Final Score: Mets 4, Marlins 0. Record: 88-53. Magic Number: 0 - National League East Champions!

Notes: Guillermo Mota has now lowered his e.r.a to .68. During the seventh inning, Pedro Martinez was shown wearing swimming goggles in preparation for the post-game champagne celebration. Carlos Delgado's career drought of not going to the playoffs came to an end tonight. He will relish his first playoff game since he entered the league in 1992. Acknowledging this fact, he smoked a cigar during the post game celebration. The Mets would come out to celebrate on the field once again after their clubhouse hysteria. Highlighted by David Wright celebrating with fans near the front row, the Mets definitely seemed to relish this opportunity to celebrate with their fans.