Mets Take a Big Step on the Comeback Trail with Thrilling Sweep of Reds

Strategic Insights -

The New York Mets have found their footing after a dismal 103-loss season in 1993, taking a significant step towards respectability with a three-game sweep of the Central Division-leading Cincinnati Reds. Behind a strong team effort, the Mets secured an 8-5 victory on Sunday, capping off a thrilling weekend series.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Mets have won five of their past six games, improving their record to 25-23, 4 1/2 games behind East Division-leading Atlanta in third place.
  • The team is generating enthusiasm at Shea Stadium, with fans beginning to show support after three straight losing seasons.
  • Bobby Bonilla drove in two runs and set a club record by driving in a run in his ninth straight game, while Jeff Kent had three hits, including RBI singles in the first and fourth innings.
  • John Franco pitched the ninth to record his league-leading 12th save and 100th save as a Met, while Bobby Jones (6-4) allowed two hits and five runs, four earned, in eight innings to improve to 2-4 at home.
  • The Reds are struggling, having lost eight of their past nine games, with Cincinnati's Erik Hanson (3-5) being blasted for 10 hits and six runs in 2 2/3 innings.

Statistics:

  • The Mets had all 13 of their hits in the first four innings, while the Reds allowed 10 hits and six runs in 2 2/3 innings.
  • Barry Larkin had a two-run single to highlight a three-run fifth for the Reds, while Lenny Harris and Bret Boone each had two hits and an RBI for the Reds.
  • The Mets have now won five of their past six games, improving their record to 25-23.
  • The Reds have won eight of their past 12 games, but continue to struggle, sitting at 27-22, tied with Houston for the division lead.

Sources:

  • "Mets Take a Big Step on the Comeback Trail with Thrilling Sweep of Reds" (UPI, date not specified)
  • "Cubs Take Down Braves, 4-2" (UPI, date not specified)
  • "Phillies Complete No-Hitter Against Astros, 4-0" (UPI, date not specified)
  • "Giants Complete Sweep of Marlins, 3-1" (UPI, date not specified)
  • "Indians Complete Weekend Sweep, 7-5" (UPI, date not specified)
  • "Blue Jays Shut Down Angels, 5-0" (UPI, date not specified)
  • "Brewers Rally Past Mariners, 9-8" (UPI, date not specified)
  • "Orioles Snap White Sox Streak, 8-4" (UPI, date not specified)
  • "Royals Salvage Final Game of Weekend Series, 10-6" (UPI, date not specified)
  • "Rangers Rally Past Red Sox, 8-6" (UPI, date not specified)
  • "Tigers Shut Down Twins, 5-1" (UPI, date not specified)