CHICAGO — After spending 54 hours removed from the driver’s seat, the Mets plunked themselves back into it Tuesday night.

Methodically, they overcame a brutal David Peterson start and ugly defensive play, finally going ahead after the Reds had already lost their game against the Pirates.

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And then, after the Cubs had tied it, Francisco Alvarez delivered his biggest career hit: a two-run homer in the eighth that put the Mets ahead for good in a 9-7 victory at Wrigley Field.

And so, the National League’s third wild-card is again the Mets’ to lose.

The Mets moved one game ahead of the Reds (who lost 4-

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