Reds vs. Mets: Cincinnati Opens Series with Dominant 6-2 Win at Citi Field
The Cincinnati Reds started their three-game series against the New York Mets with an impressive 6-2 win at Citi Field on Friday, July 18. Fueled by a pair of home runs from rising star Anthony Hays and a solid start from pitcher Nick Lodolo, the Reds showed early control and never let up.
This win brings the Reds to a 50-47 record on the season, keeping them in striking distance in the National League playoff hunt, while the Mets drop to 55-42 after the loss.
Anthony Hays Powers the Offense
Reds outfielder Anthony Hays was the game’s standout performer, blasting two home runs and driving in three of the team’s six runs. His first homer came in the second inning, putting Cincinnati on the board early. In the fifth, Hays launched a second shot deep into left-center, sealing the Reds’ dominance for the night.
Middle infielder Michael McLain also contributed with a key two-run homer, extending the lead and giving the Reds a comfortable margin.
Nick Lodolo Locks It Down on the Mound
Starting pitcher Nick Lodolo delivered one of his best performances of the season. The left-hander went 5.2 innings, giving up just two earned runs while striking out six Mets batters. Lodolo mixed his pitches effectively and worked out of tight situations, keeping New York’s offense from mounting any serious threat.
The Reds’ bullpen held strong through the final innings, with Alexis Díaz closing out the game with confidence.
Mets’ Offense Falters Despite Home Crowd
The Mets’ offensive unit struggled throughout the game. While Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso managed to collect hits, the team was limited to just three total hits on the night. Starting pitcher Luis Severino was tagged for five runs in just 4.1 innings, setting the tone for a rough evening for New York fans.
Manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged the team’s lack of energy post-game, saying, “We have to do a better job generating offense early. Tomorrow’s a new opportunity.”
What’s Next in the Series
The Reds and Mets will face off again on Saturday, July 19, at 1:10 PM ET for Game 2 of the series. Cincinnati will look to carry momentum into the weekend matchup, while the Mets hope to bounce back behind their next starter.
The series finale is set for Sunday, July 20, at 10:40 AM ET, also at Citi Field.
Final Thoughts
Cincinnati’s victory not only highlights the potential of young talents like Anthony Hays and Nick Lodolo but also sends a message to the National League: the Reds are serious postseason contenders. Meanwhile, the Mets must regroup quickly if they want to maintain their edge in the NL East standings.
Stay tuned for more Reds vs. Mets updates, including player stats, highlights, and live coverage of this exciting MLB 2025 series.