Jonah Tong’s second big-league start did not go as well as his debut, as the New York Mets dropped a 6-3 decision to the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday night at Great American Ball Park.
The 22-year-old right-hander, who had given up only two home runs in 113.2 minor-league innings this year, was tagged for three long balls. Tong surrendered a two-run homer to rookie Sal Stewart in the second and leadoff shots to Matt McLain and Austin Hays in the following two innings. Despite that, he retired nine of his final 10 batters and finished six innings with six strikeouts, four walks, and four earned runs on 96 pitches.
The Mets struggled to solve Reds starter Brady Singer, who limited them to one run over six frames for his 13th victory. Francisco Lindor stayed locked in at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and a walk, but he was caught stealing twice, including an ill-timed attempt at third base with Juan Soto batting. Soto contributed two hits, a walk and a stolen base. Brandon Nimmo drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in the third, Jared Young added a pinch-hit homer in the seventh, and a wild pitch scored another in the ninth.
New York’s bullpen faltered as Ryne Stanek recorded just one out in the seventh while surrendering two runs, allowing Cincinnati to pad its lead.
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The Mets (76-66) look to bounce back and take the series on Sunday at 1:40 p.m. with Brandon Sproat on the mound, making his Major League debut.re
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].