Mets stumble in late push for playoffs

CINCINNATI >> Pinch-hitter Christian Colón’s two-out single off Seth Lugo broke an eighth-inning tie, lifting the Cincinnati Reds over the Mets 3-2 Saturday and dealing New York a critical defeat in the NL wild card race.

New York (80-74) went 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position and dropped four games back of Milwaukee for the second wild card with eight games left. The Brewers played last-place Pittsburgh later Saturday.

With the score 2-2, Justin Wilson (4-2) walked José Iglesias with one out in the eighth and José Peraza blooped a single to right. Seth Lugo relieved and struck out pinch-hitter Curt Casali, and Colón grounded a curveball up the middle.

Joel Kuhnel (1-0), a 24-year-old righthander who made his big league debut last month, got the final out of the eighth for his first major league win. Raisel Iglesias struck out Robinson Canó, Wilson Ramos and Michael Confortoin order for his 34th save in 39 chances.

At 73-82, Cincinnati assured its first season with fewer than 90 losses since 2014.

A day after hitting his 50th homer, Mets rookie Pete Alonso went 0 for 4 and stranded the bases loaded in the fifth when he struck out.

Cincinnati took a 2-0 lead in the first against Zack Wheeler on RBI infield singles by José Iglesias and Aristides Aquino. The Reds took advantage when former Red Todd Frazier allowed Joey Votto’s potential double-play grounder to bounce off his glove for an error, then was slow to throw to first on Aquino’s grounder down the line. The ball appeared to be foul but was ruled fair by third base umpire Mark Ripperger.

Wheeler hit an RBI grounder in the third after Frazier’s double off the center-field wall, and the Mets tied the score in the fourth when Brandon Nimmo allowed Anthony DeSclafani’s pitch to hit the protective gear on his right arm.

Wheeler, eligible for free agency after the World Series, allowed one earned run in seven innings for the third straight start, the last two without a decision.