CINCINNATI (AFP) – Choo Shin-Soo’s single into left field scored the winning run in the 10th inning as Cincinnati clinched a playoff spot with a 3-2 win over the New York Mets.
South Korea’s Choo made sure a run crossed the plate in the 10th by recording his second RBI of the night with his hit off Sean Henn. Choo, who also stole two bases on Monday, was left stranded at third base in the ninth inning.
Mets pitcher Greg Burke put runners in scoring position in the 10th by giving up a pair of singles.
The Reds remain tied atop the wild card race with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Both teams clinched a playoff berth after the Washington Nationals lost to the NL Central-leading St. Louis Cardinals, who hold a two-game edge.
Starting pitcher Johnny Cueto made his second start for the Reds since returning from the disabled list.
He pitched seven strong innings, yielding just two runs on three hits with five strikeouts. Manny Parra pitched a scoreless 10th for the Reds.