Flushing, NY (Sports Network) – Brandon Phillips’ solo home run and run- scoring double was all of the offense Bronson Arroyo needed as the Cincinnati Reds won the rubber match of a three-game set over the New York Mets, 3-1, at Citi Field.
Chris Heisey also homered in support of Arroyo (9-4), who gave up just one run on seven hits with three strikeouts over eight effective frames for Cincinnati, which has won three of four.
Jonathan Niese (6-3) was the hard-luck loser, scattering three runs on six hits with eight strikeouts and just one walk over 7 2/3 innings. New York’s lone offense came from Angel Pagan’s solo home run in the bottom of the first.
The Reds answered in the third with Phillips’ solo shot — Cincinnati’s lone hit in the first six frames.
Meanwhile, New York had several chances to take the lead, failing at each turn. A one-out double by the Niese in the third was offset by his poor baserunning, allowing the Reds to nab him at third on Jose Reyes’ grounder to short.
Josh Thole and Jesus Feliciano started the bottom of the fifth with consecutive singles before Alex Cora moved each runner up a base with a slow roller to first. Niese, however, struck out and Reyes grounded out to end the threat.
Cincinnati’s second hit of the game was a big one as Heisey homered to left for a 2-1 game in the seventh. Drew Stubbs then singled, moved to second on Arroyo’s base hit and scored on Phillips’ two-bagger.
Ike Davis led off the home ninth with a double into the right-center-field gap. After a Jason Bay fly out, Thole walked before Feliciano lined a shot that hung up for Jay Bruce in center. Francisco Cordero then retired Cora to save his 24th game of the season.
Niese saw his five-decision winning streak come to an end. He lost for the first time since May 16…Arroyo has a 4-1 mark over his last five starts…Phillips hit his 12th home run of the season in the victory.