It's not hyperbole to suggest that the Cincinnati Reds are facing a do-or-die homestand over the next 10 days. Heading into play on Friday, the Reds trail the New York Mets by four games in the chase for the final spot in the NL Wild Card.
Cincinnati opens with a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Reds will then welcome the Toronto Blue Jays to town for three more games, before ending the homestand with a crucial series against the very team they're chasing, the Mets.
The Reds must win seven of their next nine games to even give themselves a shot at the MLB Postseason.