CINCINNATI – The Cincinnati Reds probably would have liked Daisuke Matsuzaka’s first career appearance against them to come at another time — such as next season.

Matsuzaka scattered four hits in 7⅔ innings to win his third consecutive start, outdueling Mat Latos in the New York Mets’ 1-0 victory on Wednesday that further dampened the Reds’ hopes of hosting the National League wild-card game on Tuesday.

Eric Young Jr. drove in the only run for the Mets, who won two of three in the series.

The Reds came into the game in third place in the Central Division and second in the wild-card standings, one game behind Pittsburgh. The Pirates and Reds end the regular season with a three-game series starting Friday in Cincinnati.

“We have to find a way to get that big hit,” manager Dusty Baker said. “This team (Reds) seems to take the hard road most of the time. It is very important to have the home field advantage but it’s not impossible no matter where you play.”

Matsuzaka (3-3) allowed two walks and hit a batter. He struck out six and evened his record after three losses and a no-decision in his first four starts since joining the Mets in August. Manager Terry Collins said the former Boston Red Sox ace had definitely pitched his way into the Mets plans for next season.

“We’ve got to bring a lot of guys in, because you never know what might happen,” he said. “We’re looking for veteran guys coming into camp, and you can add his name to the list for sure.”

Matsuzaka will welcome any opportunity, including the Mets.

“If the Mets feel that way, it would be an honor and something I would take very seriously,” he said.

Cardinals 4, Nationals 1

In St. Louis, rookie Shelby Miller won his 15th game, and Yadier Molina had the go-ahead hit for the Cardinals.

Cubs 4, Pirates 2

In Chicago, Darnell McDonald hit a three-run homer to lead the Cubs to the win that really hurt Pittsburgh’s hopes of winning the NL Central.

Brewers 4, Braves 0

In Atlanta, Kyle Lohse pitched a two-hitter and Milwaukee overcame Carlos Gomez’s ejection in the first inning.

Norichika Aoki went 3-for-5 for the Brewers.

Marlins 3, Phillies 2

In Miami, Adeiny Hechavarria drove in three runs, including a go-ahead run in the eighth inning, for the Marlins.

Padres 12, Diamondbacks 2

In San Diego, Ian Kennedy’s solid pitching and offensive production throughout the lineup led the Padres.

Giants 6, Dodgers 4

In San Francisco, Barry Zito won in what likely was his final hurrah for the Giants and Pablo Sandoval backed him with a two-run homer.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Tigers 1, Twins 0

In Minneapolis, Max Scherzer earned his 21st win and the Tigers clinched their third straight AL Central title.

Rays 8, Yankees 3

In New York, the Yankees failed to make the playoffs for only the second time in 19 years.

Ichiro Suzuki had a hit and scored a run in a pinch-hit appearance for New York.

Rangers 7, Astros 3

In Arlington, Texas, Leonys Martin hit a three-run double, Ian Kinsler homered and the Rangers kept pace in the AL wild-card chase.

Indians 7, White Sox 2

In Cleveland, rookie Danny Salazar gave the Indians a much-needed quality start and Nick Swisher hit a two-run homer.

Angels 3, Athletics 1

In Anaheim, Jered Weaver pitched seven innings of five-hit ball and Josh Hamilton drove in two runs.

Mariners 6, Royals 0

In Seattle, Hisashi Iwakuma pitched eight scoreless innings.

Iwakuma (14-6) finished his season without allowing a run in three straight starts, a streak of 23 scoreless innings.

Against the Royals, he gave up four hits and never allowed more than one base runner in an inning. He didn’t walk anyone until the eighth. He had nine strikeouts, the 13th time in 33 starts he struck out at least seven.

Orioles 9, Blue Jays 5

In Baltimore, Ryan Flaherty hit a pair of two-run homers, and Jonathan Schoop had a solo shot in his big league debut.

Munenori Kawasaki finished 4-for-5 for the Blue Jays.

INTERLEAGUE

Red Sox 15, Rockies 5

In Denver, Todd Helton homered, doubled and drove in three runs in his final game at Coors Field, but Boston used Will Middlebrooks’ two homers and career-high seven RBIs for the win.