Michael Conforto hit a home run to cap a four-run cluster in the first inning and the New York Mets breathed life into their slim chances of making the playoffs by beating the Cincinnati Reds 6-3 on Sunday.
JD Davis and Brandon Nimmo also disappeared for the Mets, who woke up four and a half games behind Milwaukee for the second NL wildcard.
New York starter Marcus Stroman loaded the bases by walking with two outs and a 4-2 lead in the fifth.
Brad Brach (5-4) relieved and retired the Venezuelan Eugenio Suárez with a fly to the first pitch. Suarez, second in the majors behind Mets rookie Pete Alonso with 48 homers, threw his bat to the ground in frustration.
Alonso went 4-1 with a double and still has 50 home runs.
Alonso and Robinson Canó hit doubles in the first off Trevor Bauer. Venezuelan Wilson Ramos was hit by a pitch and Conforto hit a three-touchdown homer, his 31st of the season.
For the Mets, the Dominicans Cano 1-1, one scored and one RBI; Amed Rosario 4-1; and Juan Lagares 1-0. Venezuelan Wilson Ramos 3-1, one scored.
For the Reds, the Venezuelans Suárez 5-1; and José Pereza 4-1. Cuban José Iglesias 4-1. The Dominican Aristides Aquino 3-0. MLB
