CINCINNATI -- One-run game, bases loaded, nobody out, bottom of the ninth inning. The Reds have had difficulty getting game-changing hits this season. Only this was as close to a must-win scenario as you can have in the regular season.

With Mets closer Edwin Díaz on the ropes Friday night after issuing consecutive walks to load the bases following Ke’Bryan Hayes’ leadoff single, the Reds had an opportunity to claim one of the most important wins of their season.

Noelvi Marte struck out swinging. Elly De La Cruz struck out looking. Gavin Lux’s bid for a seeing-eye walk-off single was scooped up by Mets second baseman Luisangel Acuña, who tossed to Díaz to finish off Cincinnati’s 5-4 loss at Great American Ball Park.

“I thought we were going to [win],” said Matt McLain, standing in a si

See Full Page