The New York Mets jumped to a fast start, fought off a Reds' comeback, and reestablished dominance with three runs in the middle innings in a 7-4 win.
The Mets have won 34 of 48 games since 2013. They have the highest winning percentage of any team at Great American Ball Park at .656 (40-21).
The learning curve for Hunter Greene continues.
"The big thing for me is to keep working had and try to pinpoint what I need to work on. Then hammer it and nail it until I master it," Greene said.
His growing pains continued in the second inning when Brandon Nimmo reached the right field seats with a typical Great American Ball Park home run with two Mets on base.
It was the sixth of the season for Nimmo but for Greene it was his major league leading 21st allowed. He allowed Francisco Lindor's 13th home run in the fifth inning giving him 22 and on pace for 44 for the season.
"There is a lot to build on," David Bell said of Greene's development. "We haven't talked to him about home runs. How he gives up runs isn't a concern. He is working to eliminate hard contact. It is a tough game. We're facing good teams, lineups and hitters. Sometimes it comes down to a pitch or two. He's on the right track."
The problem for New York Mets starter, Taijuan Walker, also has to pitch in the homer haven. Brandon Drury parlayed a hit batsman by former teammate Matt Reynolds, an infield single in the hole at short by Aramis Garcia, that Francisco Lindor couldn't force the hustling Reynolds. Jonathan India struck out after being ahead in the count 3-0. Another former Met, Brandon Drury also lofted a three-run home run into the first few rows of the right field stands. It was the 17th home run for Drury, establishing a new career high.
Greene retired 10 straght Mets batters until Lindor launched his home run into the right field stands, way back in the stands, Citifield couldn't hold it either.
"I tried to go away on Lindor but it leaked back to the middle," Greene said. "I had success against him his last at bat, throwing away and then coming inside. That time it just leaked to the middle and he got it. The previous home run to Nimmo was a poor slider."
The Reds rookie ran out of gas in the sixth inning, allowing a single by Jeff McNeil and a double by Mark Canha. Reiver Sanmartin took over for Greene. Dominic Smith hit a long fly over the head of Nick Senzel in center to drive in two runs.
Greene, who hasn't won since June 6, pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing six runs on seven hits and a walk. He hit two batters. Greene struck out five. He now has 98 on the season and on pace to strike out 196 batters this season.
The Mets added a run off Luis Cessa in the seventh.
Drew Smith relieved Walker, who pitched six innings, allowing three runs on four hits and a walk.
Smith allowed Senzel's second home run of the season.
"Nick is starting to drive the ball. He hasn't had much to show for it. But he's healthy, playing a good center field and getting on base more. That home run confirms what he's been working on."
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