Mets trounced by Reds with poor pitching and hitting

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

The New York Mets were shut out 12-0 by the Cincinnati Reds, as starter Tobias Myers struggled in his return and the offense failed to capitalize on key opportunities. This defeat highlights ongoing pitching and hitting issues for the Mets, who face mounting pressure to improve before the anticipated return of Kodai Senga.

CINCINNATI — The New York Mets endured a heavy 12-0 defeat Monday night to the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark, as struggles with starting pitching and timely hitting continued to plague the team.

The Mets recalled right-hander Tobias Myers from Triple-A Syracuse to start the game, but his return to the major leagues was difficult. Myers allowed seven earned runs over just 1 1/3 innings, including two home runs by Eugenio Suárez—one a grand slam—that helped the Reds build an early and commanding lead. Myers acknowledged his struggles with command and missed location, which put him on the defensive against major league hitters.

Suárez’s performance was pivotal, driving in six runs on the night and contributing to a Reds offense that capitalized early. The Reds scored five runs in the first inning and added four more in the second, subsequently controlling the game through their pitching staff. Right-hander Chase Burns shut out the Mets over five innings, allowing four hits, walking three, and striking out seven while improving his ERA to 2.01. Relievers Brock Burke, Caleb Ferguson, and Chase Petty combined to finish the game without surrendering a run.

The Mets offensive woes were stark. Despite multiple opportunities with runners in scoring position, the Mets managed just one hit in twelve chances and stranded 11 runners between the fourth and seventh innings. This inability to deliver key hits with the bases loaded continued a troubling trend for the team.

Manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged the difficulties, pointing to the quality of Burns’ pitching but also expressing the need for players to step up amid injuries and inconsistent performances. The Mets were playing without right-hander Christian Scott, who was placed on the injured list due to a right hip impingement, adding to concerns about the rotation. Wednesday’s return scheduled for Kodai Senga, who has battled injuries and inconsistency this season, looms as a potential turning point for the struggling Mets pitching staff.

David Peterson took over in relief and pitched three innings but allowed a three-run homer to J.J. Bleday in the eighth inning, extending the Reds’ lead. Peterson’s recent outings have been inconsistent, further highlighting the Mets’ bullpen challenges.

Monday’s loss marked the Mets’ most lopsided defeat since 2018 and came just days after a strong series win over the Atlanta Braves, illustrating the team’s ongoing difficulties in maintaining momentum. At 32-41, the Mets remain mired in a tough stretch, with the pitching rotation and run production among the areas in urgent need of improvement.