BREAKING NEWS: The Cincinnati Reds have just tied the New York Mets for the National League’s third and final wild-card playoff spot following a crucial 3-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday, October 6, 2023. This comes on the heels of the Mets’ disappointing 6-2 loss to the Miami Marlins.
This development is pivotal as it means the Reds could secure their first playoff berth since the pandemic-shortened 2020 season while keeping the Mets, with a staggering $322.6 million payroll, out of postseason contention. The Reds not only matched the Mets in standings but also hold the head-to-head tiebreaker advantage.
“Obviously, I think we can start to feel it a little bit, but at the same time, we’ve got to take care of business,” stated Reds left fielder Gavin Lux, who played a crucial role in the victory. Lux, a two-time World Series champion, doubled twice and scored the go-ahead run in the game.
The Reds, currently at 82-78, have faced challenges this season, remaining no more than seven games above .500 and recording a 15-18 record over their last 33 games. However, their recent performance has been enough to capitalize on the Mets’ struggles, who have lost 16 of their last 25 games.
The Mets, once standing tall at 45-24 with the best record in Major League Baseball on June 12, have drastically faltered, going 37-54 since that peak. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza expressed urgency following the loss, emphasizing,
“We’ve put ourselves in this position. Here we are. We’ve got to come back tomorrow and the next day now. We’ve got to win the next two and see what happens.”
With the postseason in sight, the Reds aim to achieve what has eluded them for a decade. Their last playoff win was in 2012, and they haven’t won a series since 1995. Manager Terry Francona, who has a storied history in postseason play, shared his excitement and nerves, stating,
“This is as exciting as it gets. To not admit that you’re nervous, I think that would be wrong. I’m nervous as hell.”
As the Reds look ahead, they must confront their recent struggles against the Brewers. Cincinnati has lost their last 13 series against Milwaukee, a streak they need to break to advance to the playoffs. Reds reliever Tony Santillan noted the significance of the moment, saying,
“It’d be kind of the perfect time to do it. Season on the line, beat them, win against them and advance to the postseason by beating them. I feel like it’s been a while.”
The stakes are high as the Reds prepare for their next matchup, which could determine their postseason fate. Fans are urged to stay tuned as the final weekend of the regular season unfolds, promising critical action and potential playoff implications.
