Phillies sew up third straight playoff berth and close in on NL East crown

• Philadelphia blow out Mets 12-2 to punch playoff ticket
• Phillies can clinch NL East title with win on Saturday

After the Philadelphia Phillies clinched a third consecutive playoff appearance Friday night, they shook hands on the field and walked back toward the dugout as though it were any other regular-season victory.

Moments later, manager Rob Thomson gathered his players in the clubhouse and thanked them during a tempered champagne toast acknowledging their significant achievement.