The Cincinnati Reds made crucial progress in the National League wild-card race with a significant 3-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night. Key to the Reds’ success was Gavin Lux, who scored twice—first in the fourth inning due to a Spencer Steer single and again in the sixth from a Miguel Andújar hit. The Reds’ offense effectively disrupted Milwaukee’s starting pitcher Quinn Priester, who conceded nine hits, three runs, and a walk across five innings.
In contrast, the New York Mets suffered a setback with a 6-2 loss to the Miami Marlins. Although Francisco Lindor hit a leadoff home run, the Mets’ defense faltered, allowing six runs in the fifth inning. The loss resulted in the Reds and Mets being tied for the third NL wild-card spot, both holding an 82-78 record. However, Cincinnati has the advantage with a better intradivision record.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ hopes for postseason play were extinguished after a 7-4 defeat by the San Diego Padres. Fernando Tatis Jr.’s grand slam in the fourth inning sealed the Diamondbacks’ fate, preventing them from contesting further for a playoff spot.
This series of outcomes highlights the Reds as they strive for their first playoff appearance since 2020 and their first in a full season since 2013. A Mets loss combined with another Reds victory could see Cincinnati securing the final wild card spot.
For the Mets, their defensive missteps, especially in the fifth inning, were emblematic of their struggles this season. Lapses in fundamentals and poor defensive plays demonstrated underlying issues that have plagued the team.
The Diamondbacks, despite fielding a strong lineup throughout the season, saw their postseason dreams dashed largely due to inconsistent pitching—culminating in Zac Gallen’s surrender of a crucial grand slam.
As these developments unfold, fans closely monitor the intense race for wild-card positions, highlighting how every game plays a pivotal role in shaping the postseason landscape.