Sal Stewart hit a three-run homer and Spencer Steer added another solo homer during a four-run first inning, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 5-3 victory over the New York Mets on Tuesday night.
Mark Vientos hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning for New York, the first home run of his career as a pinch-hitter.
Mets right-hander Kodai Senga, who was reinstated from the disabled list before the game, allowed four earned runs in four innings with four walks and five strikeouts in his first start since April 26.
The Mets had the potential tying run at the plate in the ninth inning, but Tony Santillan got AJ Ewing to ground out for his fourth save.
The Mets, who lost 12-0 in the series opener on Monday, found themselves in another bind.
Senga (0-5) started the game with two consecutive walks, followed by Stewart’s home run that put the Reds up 3-0. It was Stewart’s team-leading 14th home run of the season. With two outs, Steer hit a solo home run to make the score 4-0.
Bo Bichette’s RBI single put the Mets on the board in the third inning. They left the bases loaded in both the third and fourth innings against Brady Singer (3-6), who allowed one run and three hits in five innings.
Edwin Arroyo doubled and scored on Stewart’s single to extend the Reds’ lead to 5-1 in the fifth inning.
Vientos’ two-run homer, off left-hander Sam Moll, reached the second deck of the left field stands, reducing the Mets’ deficit to 5-3.
New York had runners on first and second base with no outs in the eighth inning, but Tejay Antone retired the next three batters.
The Mets used their second and final ABS challenge in the top of the second inning when a called third strike to Marcus Semien was upheld for the final out. Francisco Álvarez also lost a challenge during the Reds’ second at-bat.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was ejected after JJ Bleday walked in the seventh inning. Mendoza appeared to exchange words with the head referee, Carlos Torres, from the bench.
