Mets Fall Short Again, Leave 11 Runners on Base in 5-3 Defeat to Reds

The New York Mets faced another setback in Cincinnati, losing to the Reds 5-3 on Tuesday night, marking their second consecutive loss in the series. Here are the main points from the game.

Kodai Senga, returning from nearly two months on the injured list, struggled in his initial inning back. After issuing walks to the first two batters he encountered, Senga surrendered a three-run home run to Sal Stewart, putting the Reds ahead early. Spencer Steer, breaking out of a 1-for-29 rut, then added a solo homer, extending Cincinnati's lead to 4-0.

Despite a rocky start, Senga settled down, managing to keep the Reds hitless for the next three innings while showcasing his strikeout ability with five in total over four frames. His fastball was clocked at 96-97 mph, a promising sign, even though he threw 82 pitches with only 46 for strikes before exiting the game. Given the Mets' current pitching needs, Senga’s performance could earn him another start.

Offensively, the Mets scored their first run of the series in the third inning via a single from Bo Bichette, who continued his strong performance with a 2-for-5 night at the plate, marking his fifth consecutive multi-hit game. However, New York squandered scoring chances, leaving the bases loaded twice and finishing the game with a disappointing 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position.

The Mets finally made some noise in the sixth when pinch-hitter Mark Vientos blasted a two-run homer off Reds reliever Sam Moll, marking his first career pinch-hit home run and bringing New York back into contention. They had another chance to narrow the gap in the eighth, but after two walks, they failed to capitalize and left the inning empty-handed. Although A.J. Ewing's single in the ninth brought the tying run to the plate, the game ended with a strikeout and a groundout.

New York’s bullpen shone once again, allowing just one run across four innings, with standout performances from Austin Warren, Huascar Brazoban, and Luke Weaver, who struck out all three batters he faced in the eighth.

Sal Stewart took home the game MVP honors, contributing significantly with a 2-for-3 outing that included four RBIs. The Mets will look to bounce back as they conclude their three-game series with the Reds on Wednesday at 12:40 p.m., with RHP Nolan McLean set to face LHP Nick Lodolo.