In the end, after an unfathomable 3½-month descent that suggested they were more bottom feeder than World Series contender, the New York Mets' assignment Sunday was simple: Beat the Miami Marlins and October baseball would follow.

The Mets, in fitting fashion for a frustrating season, fumbled the opportunity, falling 4-0 at LoanDepot Park to crush their playoff hopes on the last day of the regular season.