New York Mets stave off series sweep of Cincinnati Reds with 9-1 victory

The New York Mets entered the final game of a three‑game series in Cincinnati trailing 0‑2 after a 12‑0 shutout loss and a 5‑3 defeat in which starter Kodai Senga allowed four runs in the first inning. Senga, returning from injury, walked two batters and gave up three homers before being pulled, prompting criticism of his recent form.

In the series finale, rookie pitcher Nolan McLean rebounded, striking out nine over seven innings and allowing only one unearned run. Bo Bichette led the Mets’ offense with three hits, extending his six‑game hitting streak and raising his slash line to .539 over the last six games. Juan Soto, Francisco Alvarez and others contributed three hits each as New York logged 15 hits, tying the second‑highest total of the season. The 9‑1 win snapped the potential sweep and moved the Mets to 4‑4 in the series, while manager Carlos Mendoza earned his 205th career victory.

The series highlighted ongoing concerns for the Mets’ rotation, including Senga’s diminished performance and injuries to other starters, while the offensive surge by Bichette and the bullpen’s stability offered a brighter outlook.