Mon Sep 08 10:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Reds Edge Mets in Pitching Duel, Move Above .500
**CINCINNATI -** Hunter Greene dominated on the mound, racking up 12 strikeouts as the Cincinnati Reds defeated the New York Mets 3-2 on Sunday, securing a series win and pushing their record above .500.
Greene (6-4) was masterful, allowing just one hit – a solo home run by Brett Baty in the third – across seven strong innings. He reached triple digits on the radar gun 30 times, bringing his season total of 100+ mph pitches to 346, leading all starting pitchers in MLB.
The Mets debuted right-hander Brandon Sproat, who impressed in his first major league appearance. Sproat carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning before Noelvi Marte broke it up with a single. Marte’s hit sparked a Reds rally, with Elly De La Cruz delivering a tiebreaking RBI double followed by an Austin Hays RBI single. Hays previously drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in the fourth.
Sproat (0-1) ultimately allowed three runs on three hits in six innings, striking out seven. He is one of three Mets pitching prospects to recently debut, a team record within a 21-day span.
Juan Soto blasted his 38th home run of the season in the ninth inning, but Tony Santillan secured the save for the Reds by inducing a double-play grounder from Starling Marte with runners on base.
The win is crucial for Cincinnati (72-71), who are now tied with San Francisco for the final NL Wild Card spot, just behind the Mets (76-67).
Looking ahead, the Mets will send Nolan McLean to the mound against Aaron Nola and the Phillies on Monday. The Reds will start Nick Lodolo in their series opener against the San Diego Padres.
First Piper 