The New York Mets fell into a massive early hole and never recovered in a 12-0 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night at Great American Ball Park. The Mets (32-40) surrendered nine runs over the first two innings, stranded 12 runners and went 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position as the Reds handed them their most lopsided shutout defeat since August 26, 2018.
Tobias Myers’ return from the minors could not have gone much worse. The right-hander allowed three runs in the first inning before running into even more trouble in the second. After loading the bases, Myers walked in a run and was lifted after just 1.1 innings. He finished charged with seven earned runs on four hits and four walks.
Things unraveled further when Jonathan Pintaro entered in relief. Sal Stewart added an RBI single before Eugenio Suárez launched a grand slam to center field, extending Cincinnati’s lead to 9-0 before the Mets could record the sixth out of the game.
Despite the deficit, New York had chances to chip away. Bo Bichette continued his recent hot streak with two doubles, and the Mets loaded the bases in both the fourth and fifth innings. However, they failed to deliver a timely hit as Marcus Semien, Brett Baty and the middle of the lineup came up empty in key spots.
David Peterson provided 2.2 innings of relief before JJ Bleday’s three-run homer in the eighth completed the scoring.
The Mets continue their three-game series in Cincinnati on Tuesday at 7:10 p.m. Kodai Senga (0-4, 9.00 ERA) is expected to return for New York, while Brady Singer (2-6, 5.61 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Reds.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
