Mets can 'taste' playoffs after completing 4-game sweep of Rockies

The New York Mets are licking their chops at the thought of making the playoffs.

On Thursday, the Mets hammered the Colorado Rockies 12-3 to complete a four-game sweep and extend their National League East lead over the Washington Nationals to four games.

"They know they're in it. These guys on this club, they can taste it right now," Mets manager Terry Collins told reporters after the game. "I'm going to reward our fan base because I'm going to tell you, the noise and enthusiasm ... it's really hard not to have some energy when you take the field right now."

Right-hander Noah Syndergaard had a solid afternoon on the mound, logging seven innings of four-hit ball and allowing three earned runs, but it was the offense that took over the game for New York.

Kelly Johnson led a Mets attack that knocked Rockies starter Eddie Butler out of the game after just four innings.

"Winning is fun," Johnson told reporters after the game. "We've put ourselves in a situation to have some fun games down the stretch."

Johnson had a three-RBI day with a home run and two doubles, while a number of his teammates also had nice days at the dish.

The Mets are 8-2 in their last 10 games and are playing incredible ball at Citi Field, posting a 42-18 record after Thursday's win.

New York will host Andrew McCutchen and the wild-card leading Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.