The New York Mets advanced to their first World Series since 2000 after beating the Chicago Cubs 8-3 Wednesday night, sweeping the National League Championship Series.
The Mets immediately crushed any sliver of hope the Cubs had entering Wednesday night's game, scoring four runs in the top of the first inning. New York's Lucas Duda, who went 3-24 with 13 strikeouts in the postseason before Game 4, hit a three-run home run that quieted the Chicago crowd. Fans were left stunned after Travis d'Arnaud followed up with a homer.
Duda hit a two-run double in the second inning to put the Mets out in front 6-0.
New York's Daniel Murphy made history Wednesday night, becoming the first player to hit home runs in six straight postseason games with his two-run shot in the eighth inning.
The Cubs scored a run in the fourth and two in the eighth, but they were stifled by Mets pitching. The rookie and Long Island native Steven Matz held the Cubs to one run over 4 2/3 innings. A combined relief effort from Bartolo Colon, Addison Reed, Tyler Clippard and Jeurys Familia helped shut the door.
Chicago, which has not won the pennant since 1945 and a World Series since 1908, will have to wait at least one more year to end the most notorious championship drought in sports.
The Mets will play the winner of the Royals-Blue Jays American League Championship Series. The Royals lead the series 3-2 and face the Blue Jays in Game 6 on Friday night in Kansas City.
Game 1 of the World Series will be either in Toronto or Kansas City on Tuesday.
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