Lodolo secures first win as Reds extend Mets’ slump to four games
Nick Lodolo lowers his ERA while Nolan McLean struggles in a short outing, as injuries and illness compound the Mets' difficulties in a 7-2 defeat.
The Cincinnati Reds defeated the New York Mets 7-2 on Monday, extending New York’s losing streak to four consecutive games. The victory marks a significant turnaround for Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo, who earned his first win of the season in his fourth start since returning from a blister on his left index finger that sidelined him until May 8.
Lodolo delivered a controlled performance, allowing just one run and six hits while striking out seven batters without issuing a walk. The result lowered his earned run average from 7.20 to 5.57, providing stability for a Cincinnati club that began the season 20-11 but has since slipped to 8-14.
In contrast, Mets pitcher Nolan McLean endured the shortest outing of his 19 major league starts, lasting only 3 1/3 innings. McLean, who has now dropped to a 2-4 record, allowed seven runs and raised his ERA from 2.92 to 4.40 after surrendering 13 earned runs in his previous two appearances. His struggles were compounded by home runs from Reds’ JJ Bleday and Tyler Stephenson, who both hit off McLean during the fourth inning.
The loss further strains the Mets’ season record, dropping them to 22-32, which places them one game shy of their season low of 11 games under .500. The organisation has seen a sharp decline since holding a major league-best 45-24 record on June 13 last year, compiling a 60-87 record since that point. Manager Carlos Mendoza noted that the team is also managing significant roster disruptions, with outfielder Tyrone Taylor likely to be placed on the injured list after exiting with right hip pain, and star Juan Soto missing his second consecutive game due to illness.
Despite the setback, the Reds continue to build on their momentum, having secured a playoff spot on the final day of the 2025 season. Spencer Steer contributed three runs batted in, while shortstop Elly De La Cruz recorded his 11th career four-strikeout game. The Reds are set to face off again on Tuesday, with Chase Burns scheduled to start for Cincinnati, while the Mets are expected to turn to David Peterson.
