Mets-Dodgers tensions must end here and now

Here’s hoping the Mets and Dodgers have the good sense to end this ridiculous thing here and now. To escalate it further benefits no one.

Let’s be clear: This is a dangerous part of baseball. Yes, I know it has been part of the game since the beginning. I also know that players seldom get hurt.

Which proves nothing. Not every tradition is a product of rational thought. In the end, no one wins.

Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson spoke for more than a few players recently when he said this retaliation game needed to stop, that it was both dangerous and senseless.

If the Mets thought that potentially sacrificing a victory was worth it to exact revenge on Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley, OK, message received.

However, if the Mets lose the National League East by one game, they may want to reassess the risk/reward of what happened on Saturday night at Citi Field.

Their best pitcher, right-hander Noah Syndergaard, got himself ejected for throwing a 99-mph fastball behind Utley in the top of the third inning.

• Syndergaard ejected for throwing behind Utley

Plate umpire Adam Hamari reacted immediately, tossing Syndergaard from the game. Mets manager Terry Collins came out to argue and was also tossed.

After Syndergaard left a scoreless contest, the Dodgers jumped on five relievers for nine earned runs in 6 2/3 innings on their way to a 9-1 victory.

Utley? He homered twice and drove in five runs one night after driving in four. He was booed loudly by most of the 42,227 in attendance but clearly was unfazed by the whole thing.

Unless there’s more trouble in Sunday’s series finale, everyone will have gotten out in good shape. Only thing is, the Mets are in a virtual tie with the Nationals atop the NL East.

This may be one of those division races …

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