Game 45, 2013: Reds 4, Mets 3

[Box Score]

On the strength of Jay Bruce’s 6th home run of the season, the Reds beat the Mets and Shaun Marcum 4-3 last night at Citi Field. Bruce also had an RBI double. If you’re wondering, this is one of those customary Jay Bruce hot streaks where he posts Ruthian numbers, hits rocket shots to all areas of the park and basically cannot be controlled; pitchers can only hope to contain him.

Bruce extended his hitting streak to 11 games with his two hits last night. Over his last 15 games (beginning May 1st), here are his numbers:

.338, 5 HR, 19 RBI, .352 On base %, .721 slugging, nine doubles and a triple for good measure.

The guy loves to hit in May.

The Reds also welcomed back Johnny Cueto from injury. The control wasn’t really there – he walked an unusual four hitters – but I saw him hit as high as 97 MPH on the radar gun. He gave the Reds five solid innings with his only mistake being the three run homer he allowed to Marlon Byrd.

Chapman came on in the ninth, destroyed two hitters; and avenged his blown save that was caused by danish pastries. With one more win the Reds will move to 10 games over .500, something any franchise in the game would sign up for right now. They really are playing solid ball night after night despite having some injuries to key members of their squad.