Mets Morning News: Good Reddance

Meet the Mets

With a loss all but eliminating them from postseason contention, the Mets rode a four-run first inning to a victory in the series finale against the Reds in Cincinnati.

Choose your recap: Amazin’ Avenue short and long, Bergen Record, Daily News, MLB.com, Newsday, Post.

With defense suddenly being an important issue to Mickey Callaway, Todd Frazier has been taking playing time away from J.D. Davis.

After his two-bagger on Sunday afternoon, Pete Alonso became the first rookie in MLB history to record 30 doubles and 50 home runs.

Zack Wheeler’s recent stretch of impressive starts may end up being the last of his Mets career.

Once J.D. Davis’ 20th home run of the year settled over the wall, the Mets had five hitters with 20 or more home runs for the first time in team history.

Around the National League East

While keeping his job as the manager of the Marlins, Don Mattingly has taken a substantial paycut on his new deal. ($)

Still recovering from his stroke earlier in the year, Bobby Cox made a special trip to SunTrust Park in Atlanta to celebrate Bruce Bochy’s retirement.

Bochy’s last dance in Atlanta was a success as the Giants scored a 4-1 victory over the Braves.

On Sunday Night Baseball, Yasiel Puig and the Indians clobbered the Phillies on their way to a 10-1 triumph.

As their bullpen experienced yet another meltdown in their 5-3 loss to the Marlins, the Nationals find themselves tied with the Brewers for the first National League Wild Card spot.

Around Major League Baseball

MVP Candidates from the AL West isn’t much of a surprise, but it is special when the player being discussed is Marcus Semien rather than Mike Trout.

With their sweep over the Cubs in Chicago, the St. Louis Cardinals officially punched their ticket to the postseason.

The sweep in Chicago wasn’t a cause for celebration for everyone as Yu Darvish caused quite a scene in the clubhouse after the game. ($)

In addition to having 100 or more wins for the third straight year, the Houston Astros have also won their third consecutive AL West title.

Speaking of clinching things, with their win on Sunday, the Yankees clinched home field advantage in the ALDS.

Nelson Cruz’s 40th home run of the season was also the 400th home run of his career.

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 1969, the eventual World Champion Mets reduced their magic number to one against Bob Gibson and the Cardinals.