Overview
- The reigning champions clinched the NL West and will open a home Wild Card series Tuesday, Sept. 30.
- MLB Network’s Mark DeRosa said both clubs have a puncher’s chance, citing a Reds trio of Nick Lodolo, Hunter Greene and Andrew Abbott.
- DeRosa also highlighted Mets starter Nolan McLean’s swing-and-miss curveball and Francisco Lindor’s playoff poise as key factors.
- After Friday’s results, the Mets and Reds are tied for the final NL berth, with Cincinnati holding the tiebreaker, and Arizona has been eliminated.
- Observers cautioned that the short best-of-three format and strong opposing pitching could trouble Los Angeles if it slips.