Jay Bruce hit a go ahead home run in the sixth inning, while Johnny Cueto returned from the disabled list to pitch five solid innings and get the win as the Reds defeated the Mets 4-3 on Monday at Citi Field.
Mets’ starter Shaun Marcum fell to 0-5 on the year, giving up three runs in the first inning to put the Mets behind right away. Marcum struck out seven in his six innings of work, but the solo home run served up to Bruce ended up being the difference.
The Mets got little punch from their offense, mustering up only five hits while being struck out 14 times by six different Reds pitchers. Marlon Byrd accounted for all of the Mets scoring when he launched a three run homer to left in the third inning.
The Mets fell behind and were stymied by the Reds bullpen, including closer Aroldis Chapman who bounced back from blowing back to back games to get an 11 pitch save while recording two strikeouts.
Mike Leake and Jonathan Niese square off on Tuesday evening as the Mets try to bounce back while Niese will try to build off his strong 7.1 innings last time out against the Cardinals.