Justin Verlander came up with a much-needed deep outing and the offense did just enough to come up with the win, as the Mets edged the Reds, 2-1, Wednesday night in Cincinnati.

The Mets did nothing in the first inning, with each of their first three batters going down on strikes. And Verlander got hit hard twice in the first inning, just like in his first start. But this time they didn’t leave the yard. The first one was caught deep on the track and the other was an RBI double.

But after that, Verlander shut the Reds out the rest of the way, getting stronger as the game went on. He finished the sixth inning at 91 pitches and given that it was just his second start of the season, it was no sure thing he was coming out for the seventh. But Buck Showalter sent him back out and Verlander gave the club another scoreless inning.

Verlander’s final line was 7 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 2 BB and 7 Ks in 104 pitches.

Adam Ottavino and David Robertson retired all six batters they faced, three via strikeouts. Robertson picked up his seventh save, his first since May 1.

Pete Alonso led off the second inning with a homer to left to tie the game. The Mets had two runners on later in the second, as well as the third, but were unable to take the lead. Finally, they got the go-ahead run in the fourth when Brandon Nimmo drove in Luis Guillorme, who got the rally started with a two-out double.

Guillorme had a good game, with two hits and a walk and another time where he made strong contact but lined into an out.

The Mets also had two runners on in both the eighth and ninth innings, but were unable to extend their lead. Overall, they had 10 hits, four walks and a hit by pitch but were only able to score two runs.

But Verlander made that enough.

2 comments on “Gut Reaction: Mets 2, Reds 1 (5/10/23)

  • NYM6986

    Verlander really stepped up tonight. And while I held my breath, Ottavino and Robertson closed the door. Alonso for the tie and a three hit game from your lead off batter. Thrilled for the win and a happy recap.

  • Metsense

    Gut Reaction: good pitching can cover up inadequacies from the hitting. Verlander was excellent tonight followed up by there two very good relief pitchers. Guillorme has two hit games in his last two starts. He had a good game last night. He is stepping up because his roster spot could be in jeopardy. I like Louie as a bench player,a 25th player or defensive replacement, but not as a platoon player or a starter. He is a luxury but not a necessity. Let’s win this afternoon and win the series.

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