The New York Mets won their ninth game in a row on Saturday, defeating the Cincinnati Reds by a 4-0 final ( box score ). The Mets, who entered the day tied with the Atlanta Braves for the third and final National League wild-card spot, could now enter Sunday’s series finale with sole possession of that position.
The Mets didn’t record their first hit against Reds starter Jakob Junis until the fifth inning. It wasn’t until the sixth inning that New York’s offense broke through against Cincinnati’s bullpen. Outfielder Harrison Bader struck first with a solo home run in the sixth inning. Pete Alonso and J.D. Martinez subsequently drove in three more runs (on a single and a two-run double) to improve the Mets’ lead to 4-0.
Lefty Jose Quintana delivered 6 2/3 shutout innings, striking out six batters and allowing five hits and two walks. Three New York relievers combined to throw the final 2 1/3 frames, surrendering a single hit while punching out four batters and walking none. Mets closer Edwin Díaz worked the ninth, albeit without earning a save.