 For the first time in 2006, both franchises fielded contenders until deep into the season.The Mets steadily led the NL East (finally supplanting the decade-long division champions, the Atlanta Braves), while the Phillies maintained pace as a wild card contender until the very end of the season.The Mets won the head-to-head season matchup, beating the Phillies 11 out of 18 times.