Matt Harvey (2-3) gave up just one run and struck out eight in 7 2/3 innings in the New York Mets' 8-4 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night. The win allowed the Mets to avoid a three-game series sweep at Great American Ball Park. Harvey gave up just four hits and one walk to earn the win.
Harvey also turned in a solid night at the plate, hitting a two-RBI double in the fourth inning that gave the Mets a 3-0 lead. Ike Davis hit his 21st home run of the season to lead off the inning and put New York on the board. He finished 2-for-4 after driving in David Wright in the ninth inning with a double.
The Mets added three runs in the sixth inning. Jason Bay hit his sixth home run of the year to push New York's lead to 4-0. Three batters later, Ruben Tejada drove in Kelly Shoppach with a double to left field. He ran in a run on the next at-bat off a Mike Baxter single.
Reds starter Homer Bailey (10-8) left after Baxter's RBI with two outs in the inning. Bailey gave up six runs, four earned, off eight hits and three walks while striking out six to earn the loss.
The Mets capped their scoring on a fielding error by Reds shortstop Zack Cozart in the ninth inning. Justin Turner was called safe at first while Davis ran home from third on the play.
The Reds didn't get on the board until the seventh inning. Jay Bruce hit an RBI double to deep right for Harvey's lone blemish on the night. Cincinnati added another run on a Ryan Ludwick home run off Frank Francisco in the ninth.
Francisco was pulled in a second straight appearance after giving up an RBI single to Miguel Cairo and an RBI double to Cozart on consecutive at-bats. Jon Rauch struck out Wilson Valdez to end the inning and earn his third save of the season.
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