Reds Clinch NL Wild-Card, Will Face Dodgers

The Cincinnati Reds clinched the final NL wild‑card spot on the season’s final day after the New York Mets were shut out 4-0 by the Miami Marlins, leaving both clubs 83-79 but Cincinnati holding the 4-2 head-to-head tiebreaker. Cincinnati lost 4-2 to the Milwaukee Brewers on the day, while Milwaukee’s comeback win gave the Brewers a franchise‑record 97 victories and the best record in baseball, earning them home‑field advantage and a bye into the NL Division Series. The Reds will travel to Los Angeles to face the defending World Series champion Dodgers in a best‑of‑three Wild Card Series beginning Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. The berth is Cincinnati’s first postseason appearance in a full 162‑game season since 2013 (their only other recent playoff trip was the shortened 2020 postseason) and comes under first‑year manager Terry Francona. Cincinnati went 1-5 against the Dodgers in the regular season and has not won a postseason series since 1995, underscoring the challenge ahead despite celebrations over the late‑season surge.