2 scenarios that keep the Reds' playoff hopes alive and 1 scenario that ends their season

While Cinderella's carriage hasn't turned back into a pumpkin quite yet, it's getting close to midnight and the magic has almost run out.

The Cincinnati Reds lost a game that they almost had to have on Wednesday night against the Cleveland Guardians. Despite another terrific effort on the part of the Reds bullpen, David Bell's team fell by a final score of 4-3.

Last night's loss put the season on the brink, but thanks to the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves, there are still two scenarios that would allow Cincinnati to make the MLB Playoffs. But another scenario will send them home.

The Reds make the MLB Playoffs if they sweep the Cardinals and get help

So, how can the Cincinnati Reds make the MLB Playoffs? Well, they can start by winning all three games on the road against the St. Louis Cardinals. In fact, by the time that the Reds take the field on Friday night in St. Louis, this may be the only way for the Reds to make it to the postseason.

The Reds get another off-day on Thursday as they travel to the Gateway City for the final three games of the 2023 season. As the standing currently sit at the moment, the Cincinnati Reds trail the Miami Marlins and Chicago Cubs by 1.5 games.

But, with both the Marlins and Cubs in action on Thursday night, that number could go up or down before Cincinnati is back at it on Friday night. The Marlins visit Citi Field at 7:10 PM ET to battle the New York Mets, and the Cubs will begin their series finale against the Atlanta Braves at 7:20 PM ET.

If both teams lose on Thursday night, the road to the MLB Playoffs becomes very much a reality for the Cincinnati Reds. If the Reds sweep the Cardinals, the Marlins go 1-3, and the Cubs go 2-2 or worse, then Cincinnati would play the Milwaukee Brewers in thew Wild Card Series next week.

W/L Record: Reds 3-0, Marlins 1-3, Cubs 2-2 or worse

The Reds are eliminated from the MLB Playoffs if they lose two games.

Last night's loss was a tough one, but in the end it's still just 1-of-162. Fans have a bad habit of pointing out a team's success, or lack thereof during the month of September.

While it's certainly a factor, the simple truth is that the gut-wrenching loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates last week that saw the Buccos overcome a 9-0 deficit counts the same in the standings as Cincinnati's 5-4 loss to the Oakland A's back on April 30th.

The Reds have endured a few different losing streaks over the course of the season that put them in the must-win situation they face this weekend. The Cincinnati Reds have stared down three separate six-game losing streaks this season, any one of which could have torpedoed the team's postseason hopes.

And yet, the Reds remain alive with three games left in the 2023 season despite having an abundance of injuries, a starting rotation made up of four rookie pitchers, and predictions before the season of another 100-loss campaign.

But, if the Cincinnati Reds lose 2-of-3 to the St. Louis Cardinals, or are swept courtesy of Oliver Marmol's club over the weekend, then the dream season is over. Even if he Reds do everything right and sweep the Cardinals, two wins by the Miami Marlins over their final four games would put Cincinnati on the outside looking in.

So while there are those who are ready to bury the Reds' chances of making a run at the MLB Playoffs, you can put your shovels down for the moment. However, the Reds' margin for error is extremely small.

W/L Record: Reds 1-2 or worse