QUEENS, NY — Perhaps losing two of three to a last-place team with a playoff spot on the line is enough of an indication that the New York Mets don't deserve to be playing baseball in October.

Once again playing catch-up, the Mets (80-76) were unable to overcome an early three-run deficit and dropped a vital rubber game to the lowly Washington Nationals 3-2 on Sunday afternoon in the club's home regular-season finale at Citi Field — and perhaps the last game they play in Queens until 2026.

They are now relegated to scoreboard watching, as their one-game lead for the third and final Wild Card postseason berth is in danger of evaporating with the Cincinnati Reds leading the Chicago Cubs.

Washington center fielder Jacob Young, who made a circus, kicking catch in the fifth inning to rob Bre

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