Mets’ Comeback Falls Shorts After Sproat’s Debut

The New York Mets dropped the series finale in Cincinnati on Sunday, losing 3-2 to the Reds at Great American Ball Park. The loss trims New York’s Wild Card cushion to just 3.5 games over the San Francisco Giants.

Brandon Sproat was sharp early, carrying a no-hitter into the sixth inning in his first big-league decision. He struck out seven, but the Reds broke through when Noelvi Marte reached base and scored on an Elly De La Cruz RBI double.

Austin Hays followed with an RBI single, giving Cincinnati the lead for good. Sproat finished with three runs allowed on three hits over six innings. Reed Garrett and Tyler Rogers each fired a scoreless inning to keep the game within reach.

Brett Baty opened the scoring in the third with his 16th home run of the year, a solo shot off Reds starter Hunter Greene. But Greene overpowered the lineup, striking out 12 and allowing just one hit across seven innings.

The Mets went 0-for-1 with runners in scoring position and left only three men on base. In the ninth, Juan Soto lined his 38th homer to right-center off Reds closer Tony Santillan, and Brandon Nimmo singled to put the tying run aboard. The rally ended, however, when Starling Marte grounded into a double play.

Greene set the tone with seven dominant innings, and the bullpen held firm. Nick Martinez worked a clean eighth, and Santillan closed the door in the ninth despite Soto’s blast.

Player of the Game: Brett Baty

Brett Baty was the early bright spot for the game, as his home run put the Mets on the board. He went 1-for-3 on the afternoon.

On Deck

The Mets (76-66) open a three-game series against the Phillies (83-59) on Monday night at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, with first pitch set for 6:45 pm ET. New York will send rookie right-hander Nolan McLean (4-0, 1.37 ERA, 28 K) to the mound against Aaron Nola (3-8, 6.78 ERA, 72 K). The game will be televised on SNY and can be heard on Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880 AM.

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