Mets at Reds
A rare ray of optimism abounds for a sputtering New York Mets team that has registered losses in 11 of its last 15 games. The Mets look to turn the page from their current dismal story and add another chapter to their long-running dominance of the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday when the clubs open a three-game series at Great American Ball Park.
New York has won 19 of its last 21 games against Cincinnati, including 14 straight since September 2014. Juan Lagares hasn't been as fortunate with the results as he is batting just .175 in his career versus the Reds, but is 7-for-19 with three RBIs and three runs scored in his last four games. Like the Mets, the National League Central cellar-dwelling Reds are far from celebrating much of anything this season and enter this series with losses in two in a row and five of seven overall. Joey Votto walked five times in Sunday's 5-2 setback versus Pittsburgh and owns a .313 batting average in 54 career games versus New York, although he'll be getting his first look at Tuesday starter Chris Flexen.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Chris Flexen (3-2, 5.79 ERA) vs. Reds RH Sal Romano (3-5, 4.96)
Flexen posted his third win in four outings on Wednesday after allowing two runs on six hits in a season-high six innings of a 4-2 triumph versus Arizona. "Just really bear down and get an out and really try to limit the damage," the 23-year-old said of his approach. Flexen will be making his seventh start for the Mets since being promoted from Double-A Binghamton as an injury replacement for Zack Wheeler.
Romano settled for a no-decision despite working a career high-tying seven innings in his second straight start Thursday. The 23-year-old answered a one-run performance in a 4-3 win at Atlanta on Aug. 18 by permitting two on six hits against the Chicago Cubs. "You have to be consistent, that's what they're looking for," Romano said. "If I can have a three-pitch mix, I can be successful."
WALK-OFFS
1. Cincinnati 2B Scooter Gennett has hit safely in eight of his last 10 games.
2. New York SS Jose Reyes is 5-for-10 with three runs scored and an RBI since returning from the disabled list.
3. Reds 3B Eugenio Suarez is 0-for-4 with a pair of strikeouts on the heels of a 10-game hitting streak.