Cincinnati Reds Win, Avoid Sweep

Apr 6, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Manny Parra (43) and catcher Brayan Pena (29) celebrate after defeating the Mets in a game at Citi Field. The Reds defeated the Mets 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The panicking stops. For now.

The Cincinnati Reds got their second win of the season Sunday afternoon in New York, defeating the Mets 2-1 behind an incredibly strong outing from pitcher Alfredo Simon.

Simon went seven incredibly impressive innings for the Reds allowing only 4 hits and 1 earned run while keeping his pitch count to only 79. Sunday saw Simon do something most Reds starters can only dream of by keeping his pitch count that low. Not to mention Simon ignited the Reds offense in the sixth inning. Sunday was Simon’s first start for the Reds in his career and his first start in two years.

After Simon ignited the Reds offense in the sixth, following his single Chris Heisey reached base safely followed by Brandon Phillips to load the bases for the Reds. That brought Joey Votto to the plate with the bases loaded, the exact scenario the Reds have been waiting for this season. Votto failed to reach base but he did hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 1-1. Ryan Ludwick followed Votto with a base hit to give the Reds a 2-1 lead and they would not look back.

Mets pitcher Jonathon Niese (0-1) a former University of Cincinnati Bearcats baseball recruit pitched a respectable game in his first start of the season. Niese went 5.2 innings, giving up 6 hits and 2 earned runs. A stat line that could generally earn a pitcher a win. Not Sunday though as Alfredo Simon dealer a gem for the Reds.

Manny Parra recorded the save for the Reds. A two inning outing resulted in Parra’s first save for the Reds this season. Parra impressed many today with his two innings of work, allowing no hits in that time.

While the offense struggled again the team found a way to win. Todd Frazier continues to hit this season, a much needed sight after seeing some others struggle this season. Billy Hamilton was out again Sunday due to a jammed finger, Heisey filled in for him. Zach Cozart continued to stuggle Sunday he is now 0-19 to start the season. Cozart is a Reds farm system project, at some point soon the Reds will have to make a decision on Cozart and his future with the big league club.

Cincinnati now travels to St. Louis to face the Cardinals in a three game series. Cincinnati is 3-25-2 in St. Louis since 2003, a stat brought to you by Lance McAlister. Tomorrows game is at 4:15pm ET.