Reds Rally Early to Defeat Mets 5-3 as Senga Struggles

The New York Mets faced another defeat against the Cincinnati Reds, falling 5-3 in a game marred by poor pitching from starter Kodai Senga. This marks the Mets’ second consecutive loss to the Reds, who capitalized on Senga's shaky start to secure the victory.

In the first inning, Senga struggled significantly, yielding four runs due to a trio of hits, including a three-run homer from Sal Stewart and a solo shot from Spencer Steer. This rough beginning put the Mets in a considerable deficit right away, as they found themselves trailing 4-0. Senga managed to complete four innings, finishing with a line of four runs allowed on just two hits, but he walked four batters and threw 82 pitches.

Cincinnati’s pitcher, Brady Singer, held the Mets at bay for most of the game until they broke through in the third inning. Bo Bichette contributed an RBI single, which was set up by Brett Baty getting hit by a pitch and Francisco Alvarez’s single. However, the Reds responded quickly, adding to their lead in the fifth with another run courtesy of Stewart’s RBI single, which followed a double by Edwin Arroyo and a bunt single from Blake Dunn.

Although the Mets made a push in the sixth inning with a two-run homer from pinch-hitter Mark Vientos, closing the score to 5-3, they could not capitalize further against the Reds' bullpen. Cincinnati's Brock Burke and Tejay Antone both delivered scoreless innings, and Tony Santillan came in during the ninth to earn his fourth save of the season.

The Mets' bullpen showed resilience after Senga's departure, with only Cionel Perez allowing a run. However, Senga's struggles continue, as he holds a 0-5 record and a concerning 9.00 ERA. With the team's starting rotation facing challenges, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to justify giving Senga another start. Vientos provided a glimmer of hope for the Mets with his performance, while Bichette also stood out with two hits. Tomorrow, the Mets will look to bounce back as Nolan McLean takes the mound against Nick Lodolo in an early matchup.