Mets eliminated as Marlins shut them out, Reds clinch wild-card

MIAMI — The New York Mets were eliminated from playoff contention Sunday after a 4-0 loss to the Miami Marlins in the regular-season finale, handing the final National League wild-card spot to the Cincinnati Reds on the basis of a head-to-head tiebreaker. The Mets, who entered the day needing a win and help from Cincinnati, could not overcome a four-run fourth inning by Miami and finished their season shut out in front of a sellout crowd of 34,660.

The decisive inning broke the game open and left the Mets with only late, unsuccessful threats. New York loaded the bases with two outs in the fifth on three walks, but Pete Alonso lined out to left for the final out of the rally. Francisco Alvarez struck out with runners in scoring position in the eighth and later broke his bat in frustration. Francisco Lindor grounded into a game-ending double play to end the ninth and seal the Marlins win.

Cincinnati lost its game to the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2 but still qualified for the postseason because the Reds won four of six meetings against the Mets this season. The Reds will open their wild-card series on the road against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Milwaukee finished with the best record in...