Soto’s Power Lifts Mets Past Reds in Slugfest at Citi Field

The New York Mets took care of business on Wednesday night at Citi Field, dispatching the Cincinnati Reds 4-2 in a game that featured more dramatics than a typical May matchup deserved. This wasn’t pretty baseball. This was sloppy, mistake-laden, and occasionally infuriating to watch. But the Mets found a way to win, and that’s what separates teams that go places from those that don’t.

Soto and Wagaman Carry the Load

Juan Soto came out swinging like a man who remembered what his contract demands of him. His solo homer in the bottom of the first inning on a fly ball to right field set the tone immediately, giving the Mets an early advantage and forcing the Reds to chase from the opening pitch. That’s the kind of presence you need from a guy paid what Soto makes.

Two innings later, Eric Wagaman added another solo shot to left field, his first of the season. Now here’s where I’ll be frank: Wagaman’s been a black hole offensively for stretches, but when he connects, he connects. The man can hit a baseball 400 feet when he’s locked in, and the Mets needed both of these early runs given how their starting pitcher would perform.

Pitching Mediocrity on Display

Andrew Abbott took the loss for Cincinnati, surrendering three runs across six innings on six hits with four strikeouts. It wasn’t a catastrophic performance, but it wasn’t good enough. The Reds managed to scratch out two runs through the middle innings with scattered hits, but they could never mount a real threat. Nathaniel Lowe and Sal Stewart each contributed RBI singles, but the Reds’ offense felt predictable and toothless.

On the Mets’ side, Jonah Tong was absolutely all over the place in 3.2 innings of work, scattering four walks with just one strikeout. That he didn’t give up a run is honestly miraculous. Control issues like that should have buried New York, but baseball doesn’t always reward what you deserve. Devin Williams came in for the save and somehow managed to walk three batters while striking out three across a scoreless inning. It was the kind of closing act that ages you prematurely, but Williams got outs when it mattered.

Carson Benge was the unlikely hero for the Mets, collecting two RBI singles that proved to be the difference. In a game where neither team’s pitching staff could throw strikes consistently, Benge’s ability to put the ball in play and move runners proved invaluable. Blake Dunn continued his solid week for the Reds, going 3-for-6, but individual excellence couldn’t overcome the team’s inability to score.

This victory matters less for how it was achieved and more that it was achieved at all. The Mets have now won a crucial divisional matchup against a Reds team that came into New York with legitimate aspirations. Cincinnati will leave disappointed, knowing they had chances to win but couldn’t capitalize. The Mets, meanwhile, will take the W and move forward, understanding that wins in May matter just as much as those in October.