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1h ago

Reds Clinch Final NL Wild Card on Tiebreaker, Draw Dodgers in Los Angeles

Cincinnati advanced on a head-to-head tiebreaker after New York lost on the final day, sending a depth-driven club into a best-of-three at Dodger Stadium.

Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
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Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The Reds and Mets finished 83-79, and Cincinnati claimed the berth with a 4-2 head-to-head edge after New York fell 4-0 to Miami, a final-day clinch Elias says is a franchise first.
  • Game 1 is Tuesday at 9:08 p.m. ET at Dodger Stadium with the Dodgers holding home field, and Dave Roberts said it is a “pretty good bet” Blake Snell starts, though it is not official.
  • First-year manager Terry Francona guided a late surge from six games back in early September to reach the postseason, echoing his immediate impact with Cleveland in 2013.
  • July 31 additions Miguel Andujar, Ke’Bryan Hayes and Zack Littell helped stabilize defense and pitching roles, enabling a bullpen boost by shifting Nick Martinez to relief.
  • OptaStats notes Cincinnati reached the playoffs without a .270 qualifying hitter, a 25-homer bat, a 15-win pitcher or a 200-strikeout arm, and the club now seeks its first series win since 1995.