Cincinnati @ New York preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 6, 2018 ) Cincinnati 4, NY Mets 6

The combination of Jeff McNeil and Wilmer Flores near the top of the new-look New York Mets' batting order doesn't appear to be all that intimidating, but their recent production may cause opponents to spend a little more time preparing for the duo. The Mets set their sights on a third win in four tries Tuesday when they continue a three-game set at home against the Cincinnati Reds.

McNeil and Flores batted second and third, respectively, in Monday's series opener and finished with three hits apiece as New York pounded out 16 hits in a 6-4 victory. Flores sparked the Mets' two multiple-run innings on his 27th birthday with a pair of RBI singles en route to his second straight three-hit game, while McNeil homered and is 8-for-12 over his last three contests - lifting his average to .364 just 12 games into his big-league career. After beating National League East-leading Philadelphia in three straight to wrap up a 10-game homestand, the Reds fell to 1-6 during their nine-game road trip and lost to New York for the 24th time in the last 32 meetings. All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suarez delivered a two-run single in the opener and has thrived in four games against the Mets this season, going 7-for-16 with seven RBIs.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Sal Romano (6-9, 5.12 ERA) vs. Mets LH Jason Vargas (2-7, 8.23)

After coming out of the bullpen in two of his last three outings, Romano returned to the rotation to take a loss Wednesday at Detroit after giving up four runs over 5 1/3 innings. The Connecticut native has struggled to miss bats on the road in 2018, going 1-5 with a 5.62 ERA while striking out only 22 over 49 2/3 frames. Romano enjoyed one of his best starts of the season in a no-decision against the Mets on April 9, allowing one run and fanning seven over six innings.

Vargas matched his season high in strikeouts (seven) and innings (five) but still took the loss to Atlanta on Thursday, permitting four runs in his second start back after spending over a month on the disabled list. The 35-year-old has been mostly ineffective in his 11 turns this season despite his limited work, yielding at least three runs eight times. Suarez is 3-for-6 with four RBIs against Vargas, who was tagged for four runs across four innings in a loss at Cincinnati on May 8.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Mets are 11-25 in their last 36 home games overall, but they have won 10 of their last 11 games at Citi Field versus the Reds.

2. Cincinnati Reds 1B Joey Votto went 2-for-4 with a walk in the opener but will not play Tuesday after aggravating a knee injury in the loss.

3. New York LHP Jerry Blevins pitched a perfect ninth inning Monday for his first save of the season and sixth of his 544-game career.

PREDICTION: Reds 7, Mets 5