CINCINNATI -- The New York Mets did not feel any hangover effects the day after clinching first place in the National League East.
Playing with a lineup littered with backups, but with Jacob deGrom on the mound, the Mets completed a four-game sweep of the Cincinnati Reds with an 8-1 victory on Sunday at Great American Ball Park.
Pitching for the first time in 12 days, deGrom (14-8) allowed a leadoff double to Skip Schumaker in the first, then retired the next 14 batters. He ultimately limited the Reds to one run on five hits in a 96-pitch effort spanning six innings. DeGrom had a 6.41 ERA over his previous five starts before skipping a turn.
Michael Conforto had an RBI double in the opening inning, Dilson Herrera produced a two-run homer in the second and deGrom had a two-run single in the third that chased Reds starter Keyvius Sampson. Kevin Plawecki later homered.
Herrera finished 3-for-4 with a double, homer, walk and two runs scored in his first major league start since June. Mets pitchers have an MLB-leading 28 RBIs.
The Mets went 7-0 against the Reds this season.
After scoring only 23 runs in nine games during their last homestand, the Mets (89-67) came to Cincinnati and scored 36 runs in four games. The Amazin’s have scored at least three runs in 31 straight road games. That is the longest streak in the National League since 1900.
What’s next: The Mets head to Philly, although their postgame flight briefly will be delayed to allow the Pope to first depart the City of Brotherly Love. The Mets have a day off on Monday before opening a three-game series against the Phillies.
Bartolo Colon will now start Tuesday’s opener, followed by Steven Matz on Wednesday and Logan Verrett on Thursday. Jonathon Niese will work out of the bullpen to get acclimated to that role.
The Mets are 14-2 against the Phillies this season.
