The Mets again will look to earn a series win on Thursday afternoon when they host the San Diego Padres in the finale of a three-game set between the teams occupying the final two NL wild-card spots. New York also is two games ahead of the Giants and Cincinnati Reds, both of whom are 76-76. A seventh win in 11 games kept the Padres (83-69) in good position to earn the second NL wild card. San Diego is five games behind the Cubs (88-64), who clinched a playoff berth with Wednesday's 8-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Padres are five games clear of the Mets and 6 1/2 games ahead of the Diamondbacks.