The Cincinnati Reds continue to prove they are a force to be reckoned with in the National League, powered by a youth movement that shows no signs of slowing down. On Tuesday night at Citi Field, the Reds rout Mets in a 7-2 victory that highlighted the widening gap between a surging Cincinnati squad and a New York team searching for answers. Behind another stellar performance from rookie sensation Chase Burns and a relentless 15-hit attack, the Reds secured a series win while pushing the Mets back to a season-high 11 games under .500.
Chase Burns Continues Rookie Excellence
If there were any lingering doubts about Chase Burns’ transition to the big leagues, they were silenced on Tuesday. The right-hander, selected second overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, tossed 5 1/3 strong innings to earn his fourth consecutive victory. Burns struck out eight batters, showcasing a high-octane fastball that touched 98 mph and a devastating slider that kept Mets hitters off-balance all night.
Burns (7-1) allowed just two earned runs and two walks during his outing. His ability to navigate the Mets' lineup was particularly evident in the early frames; he struck out the side in order in the bottom of the first inning, setting a dominant tone for the rest of the contest. With an ERA that remains among the best in the National League at 1.83, Burns is quickly emerging as the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year honors and a potential Cy Young candidate.
Early Offensive Explosion Stuns David Peterson
While Burns provided the stability on the mound, the Cincinnati offense provided the fireworks. The Reds wasted no time getting to Mets starter David Peterson, jumping out to a lead in the very first inning. Sal Stewart led off the game with a single to center, followed by a walk to Spencer Steer. Veteran third baseman Eugenio Suarez then delivered the first big blow of the night, a two-run double that cleared the bases and gave Cincinnati an immediate 2-0 cushion.
The pressure didn't let up. In the fourth inning, the Reds broke the game open with a clinical display of situational hitting. After collecting three straight singles to start the frame—including an RBI knock from Dane Myers—superstar shortstop Elly De La Cruz stepped to the plate. De La Cruz lined a two-run double to right field, extending the lead and effectively ending Peterson's night. Peterson finished with the loss, dropping to 3-5 on the season after struggling with command and a high pitch count early on.
Mets Struggles Deepen Despite Juan Soto Home Run
For the New York Mets, the 7-2 loss was another chapter in what is becoming a frustrating 2026 campaign. The defeat drops New York to 22-33, matching their season-high of 11 games under the .500 mark. Despite a payroll built for contention, the Mets have struggled to find consistency in either their starting rotation or their middle relief.
The lone bright spot for the home crowd came from Juan Soto, who connected for his 10th home run of the season. Soto’s solo blast provided a brief moment of hope, but the Mets' offense was otherwise silenced by Burns and the Cincinnati bullpen. New York managed only a handful of hits against the Reds' relief corps, failing to mount a significant comeback attempt in the late innings. The Mets now find themselves buried in the NL East standings, trailing the division leaders by double digits as June approaches.
Looking Ahead for Cincinnati and New York
With the win, the Cincinnati Reds improve to 29-25, keeping them within striking distance of the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central race. The victory marks their third straight win and clinches the three-game set at Citi Field. The Reds will look to complete the sweep on Wednesday, further solidifying their status as a legitimate postseason contender.
Conversely, the Mets must find a way to stop the bleeding. The defensive lapses and inability to strand runners have plagued the team throughout May. As the trade deadline begins to loom in the distance, the front office faces difficult decisions regarding the direction of the franchise if the current slide continues. For now, the story remains the dominance of the Reds' young core and the continued brilliance of Chase Burns.
Sources & Original Reporting
