The Cincinnati Reds returned to their winning ways just in time.
While the Reds prepare for a three-game set at Yankee Stadium this coming weekend, plus a lengthy stretch of play against National League Central division rivals, they took care of the New York Mets at home.
The Reds on Tuesday, June 16, clinched a series win against the Mets at Great American Ball Park with a 5-3 win. The victory allowed Cincinnati (35-37) to stop their five-series losing streak, and the Reds will attempt to sweep New York (32-41) on Wednesday, June 17 (12:40 p.m.).
For the second night in a row, Cincinnati exploded out of the gate in the first inning. After posting three runs against New York in the series opener, the Reds on June 16 followed that up with a four-spot. Reds rookie Sal Stewart (2-for-3, walk, four RBI) clapped a three-run homer, and Spencer Steer added a solo shot later in the inning.
“I think he (Stewart) knows he’s a good hitter, and I don’t mean that like − I just think he knows he’s a good hitter, and you don’t get hits every day,” Reds manager Terry Francona said. “That’s part of what our message to him has been since Day 1 of spring training. ‘We also know you’re a good hitter. The days you don’t hit, help us win.’ And he’s taken to that.”
Cincinnati starting pitcher Brady Singer (3-6) held the visitors to one run in five innings. Reliever Sam Moll allowed a two-run Mark Vientos home run, but Brock Burke, Tejay Antone and Tony Santillan followed behind Moll and shut the door on New York.
The save for Santillan was his second in as many attempts, and his sixth straight appearance without allowing a run after well-documented struggles.
“It feels good to finally start seeing results,” Santillan said. “I said it a few weeks ago, I felt like my work was really good in practice but it hadn’t really translated well in-game. So, that part was frustrating and all, but, yeah, to finally see the results blend together, and obviously get the results, and feel like myself again, and have the team know that it’s coming back.. I trusted it wholeheartedly that I’d figure out.”
The victory gave the Reds four wins in five games against the Mets, meaning Cincinnati clinched the season series against New York for the second year in a row under manager Terry Francona.
Last season, winning the season series was the difference in Cincinnati making the playoffs after finishing tied with the Mets on the final day of the regular season. The Reds advanced to the postseason via the tiebreak advantage it held over New York.
Here and now in 2026, the series win meant Cincinnati would have at least some momentum entering a tough stretch of schedule following the Mets series. Cincinnati will face the New York Yankees June 19-21, and return to Great American Ball Park the next day for three games against the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers June 22-24.
Then, it’s back on the road to face the Pittsburgh Pirates June 26-28 and on to Milwaukee for four games June 29-July 2.
The Reds should begin that stretch feeling better about themselves after their first series victory since taking two of three from New York at Citi Field May 25-27. A sweep of the Mets could mean they’re feeling much better after a 3-9 start to June. Cincinnati will send Nick Lodolo (2-1, 5.21 ERA) against Nolan McLean (3-4, 4.01 ERA) out for the start June 17 in search of the sweep.
Francona is always singularly focus on the game at-hand, and that mentality has bled into the Reds clubhouse. So, few people if anyone within the organization are looking ahead to back half of June, but the reality is a head of steam can only help as Cincinnati attempts to avoid a second consecutive month with a losing record.
Some feel-good vibes would also be welcome following the current homestand because the Yankees entered play June 16 leading the American League East division. The games against the Brewers and Pirates represent 10 head-to-head opportunities against teams ahead of Cincinnati in a divisional race that’s far from settled.
Cincinnati is 2-13 against divisional rivals so far in 2026. By July 2, they’ll have 10 more games against the NL Central added to the tally.
Elly De La Cruz could return from the injured list in the middle of the first meeting with Milwaukee. Francona said a June 23 return date was the earliest De La Cruz would return for the hamstring strain that landed him on the IL June 1.
De La Cruz is scheduled to spend this coming weekend on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville in Georgia against the Gwinnett Stripers.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reds defeat Mets to clinch a series win. Here’s why that matters
Reporting by Pat Brennan, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
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By Pat Brennan, Cincinnati Enquirer | USA TODAY Network
