Mets Say They’ve Buried Reds in NL Wild-Card Race

The Cincinnati Reds’ 2024 season might’ve hit its breaking point after a crushing 5-4 loss to the New York Mets on September 5. In a gut-wrenching ninth inning, the Reds loaded the bases with no outs—yet somehow didn’t score.

This moment could’ve been their season’s turning point. Instead, the loss probably knocks them out of playoff contention, wrapping up a brutal stretch where they’ve dropped 11 of their last 14 games.

A Crushing Defeat in a Must-Win Series

For Cincinnati, this wasn’t just another loss. It felt like a dagger to their postseason hopes.

The Reds went into the game knowing they needed a series win over the Mets to keep their playoff dreams alive. But missed chances at key moments closed the door.

Ninth Inning Collapse

The real heartbreak came in the top of the ninth. Trailing by just one run, the Reds loaded the bases with nobody out.

It looked like they’d at least tie things up—maybe even win. But the bats went cold, the Mets’ defense tightened up, and the rally fizzled out. Reds fans just sat there, stunned.

The Mets’ Steady Push Toward October

David Peterson picked up his ninth win of the year, helping the Mets grab another crucial victory. The win kept New York firmly in control of the last National League wild card spot.

Now, their lead over Cincinnati sits at six full games. For the Mets, beating the Reds was about more than just one game—it’s about surviving in a wild Wild Card chase.

Leaders Step Up

Veteran leadership is making a difference for the Mets. Francisco Lindor and Jeff McNeil both talked about not taking anything for granted, since every game matters now.

Juan Soto pointed to their hot starts and a focus that’s bigger than just making the playoffs—they’re thinking championship.

The Standings Shift

The Reds’ loss stings even more because the San Francisco Giants have jumped ahead as the more immediate threat to New York. The Giants are now two games up on the Reds and riding their own winning streak.

Just two weeks ago, Cincinnati was only a half-game behind the Mets. This sudden slide feels dramatic—and honestly, a bit demoralizing.

A Brutal Schedule for the Mets

New York’s in a good spot, but nothing’s locked in. They still have to face the Phillies, Padres, and Cubs—each one fighting for a playoff shot.

Every single game could shake up the postseason picture. No one’s breathing easy yet.

The Reds’ Season in Perspective

With 21 games left, Cincinnati’s playoff hopes are barely hanging on. They’re staring down the barrel of their fifth straight series loss—a season-high slump, and the timing couldn’t be worse.

Playing for Pride

Sure, a playoff spot looks out of reach now. But the Reds still have things to play for.

They want a winning record and some momentum for 2025. These last few weeks? A chance to see what the young guys can do, tweak the lineup, and maybe plant a seed for next spring.

Key Takeaways

The Reds’ collapse shows just how fast things can unravel in baseball. In late August, they were right in the playoff chase.

Now, they’re staring up at two teams in the Wild Card standings. The Mets, on the other hand, keep showing why everyone expects them in October.

• Cincinnati’s fatal flaw: They just can’t get it done in high-leverage moments—like that ninth-inning letdown.
• Mets’ advantage: Their starters keep rolling, and those veterans in the clubhouse are making a real difference.
• Giants’ resurgence: No one saw the Giants making this much noise. Now the Reds’ path gets even tougher.
• Remaining series: The Mets still have to face some playoff-ready teams, and those games could decide their spot.

That September 5 loss didn’t just sting—it might’ve ended the Reds’ shot at the postseason. For a team that looked so promising not long ago, these next weeks are about pride, learning, and maybe setting up for a better run in 2025.

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Here is the source article for this story: Mets not ready to say they’ve buried Cincinnati Reds, but ‘I’d like to think so’