The New York Mets (32-41) were forced to play from behind almost immediately and couldn’t overcome another night of missed opportunities at the plate, falling 5-3 to the Cincinnati Reds (35-37) on Tuesday night at Great American Ball Park. Kodai Senga surrendered two early home runs in his return from the injured list, and the Mets went just 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position while dropping their second consecutive game.
Senga’s first inning proved costly. After issuing walks to the first two batters he faced, the right-hander allowed a three-run homer to Sal Stewart before Spencer Steer added a solo shot later in the frame to make it 4-0. Senga settled down from there, holding Cincinnati hitless over his final three innings while striking out five, but the early damage was enough to put New York in another difficult spot.
Bo Bichette continued his torrid stretch at the plate, finishing 2-for-5 and driving in the Mets’ first run with a third-inning single. New York appeared poised for a bigger inning after loading the bases, but failed to capitalize. The Mets also left the bases loaded in the fourth and stranded 10 runners overall.
Mark Vientos provided a spark in the sixth with a two-run pinch-hit homer, his eighth home run of the season, cutting the deficit to 5-3. New York threatened again in the eighth after consecutive walks opened the inning, but three straight outs ended another scoring chance.
The bullpen continued its strong run, with Austin Warren, Huascar Brazobán and Luke Weaver combining to allow just one run across four innings. Weaver struck out the side in a scoreless eighth.
The Mets conclude their three-game series against Cincinnati on Wednesday at Great American Ball Park. First pitch is scheduled for 12:40 p.m. Nolan McLean (3-4, 4.01 ERA) is expected to start for New York against Nick Lodolo (2-1, 5.21 ERA).
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
