Left, Greg Fiume/Getty Images; Chris O’Meara/Associated Press

Shortly after Jonathan Papelbon blew a save for Boston, left, the Rays won their game on a home run by Evan Longoria.

Baseball’s final day boiled down to three dramatic minutes that sent Tampa Bay to the playoffs and the Red Sox home.

• Orioles 4, Red Sox 3: Red Sox Lose to Seal September Meltdown
• Rays 8, Yankees 7: Rays Cap Unlikely Journey to Playoffs
• Phillies 4, Braves 3: Braves Complete Collapse in 13-Inning Loss to Phillies

BATs

By KEN PLUTNICKI 11:55 AM ET

Much is being said and written about the symmetry of baseball’s amazing night. But there was symmetry, too, in how the games unfolded in baseball time, which is measured, of course, in innings.

METS 3, REDS 0

Reyes Hits, Then Sits and Eventually Celebrates

By ANDREW KEH

A first-inning single bumped Jose Reyes’s average to .337, but the crowd at Citi Field seemed unhappy that the Mets’ star shortstop immediately left the game.

N.F.L. Says Players Union Delaying H.G.H. Testing This Season

By JULIET MACUR

Once promoted by the N.F.L. as a done deal, a program for H.G.H. testing has become engulfed in a dispute among the league, the players union and the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Where the Going Is Rough, the Giants Hold Their Ground

By SAM BORDEN

Through three games, the Giants’ defense has had remarkable success in short-yardage situations.

• Vick Says He’ll Start; Reid Isn’t as Certain
• Jets’ Ground Game Struggles for Footing

Shanahan Is Enforcing the Rules With Gusto

By JEFF Z. KLEIN

Brendan Shanahan, the N.H.L.’s chief disciplinarian for on-ice offenses, has aggressively been applying new rules against harsh hits in the preseason.

SPORTS OF THE TIMES

By WILLIAM C. RHODEN

After suffering a concussion a week ago, Michael Vick played against the Giants. William C. Rhoden wonders if he should have.

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The Giants, taking advantage of big plays on offense and Michael Vick’s broken hand, won, 29-16.

Darren McFadden and the Raiders rushing offense ran all over the Jets.