Mets vs. Reds: Game 2 predictions, odds and picks — Sept 7, MLB 2024

On Saturday, the New York Mets and Cincinnati Reds will meet in Queens for the second of a three-game set. While the Mets cling to postseason hopes, October aspirations remain all but dashed for the Reds.

On Friday, Mets third baseman Mark Vientos led the way, crushing a pair of two-run shots, including a walk-off bomb in the bottom of the 10th. For the Mets, the walk-off represented the team's eighth straight win.

"MARK VIENTOS! THE METS HAVE WON 8 IN A ROW!!!" - SNY Mets

Reds vs Mets recent form and records

The Mets' eight-game winning streak has changed their fortunes, and has returned them to a playoff spot. Now 77-64 on the season, manager Carlos Mendoza's team is tied with the Atlanta Braves for the third and final NL Wild Card spot.

Cincinnati has not been as fortunate. With a 68-74 season record, the Reds now sit 9.5 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers, who lead the NL Central. With a 5-5 over their last 10, the Reds are also 9.5 games back of the Mets for the third Wild Card berth.

Reds vs Mets players to watch

Starting Pitchers

CIN: Jakub Junis (4-0 3.13 ERA) vs NYM: Jose Quintana (7-9 4.27 ERA)

Junis has a 0.978 WHIP, 1.2 BB/9 and 34 K in 46 IP.

Last Start: Win, 3.2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K vs MIL

Career vs NYM: 1-1 3.14 ERA (14.1 IP, 5 ER) 1 HR in 3 Games

Quintana has a 1.321 WHIP, 3.5 BB/9 and 69 K in 145.1 IP

Last Start: Win, 5 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K vs CWS

Career vs CIN: 5-4 2.93 ERA (83 IP, 29 ER) 7 HR in 15 Games

Must-Watch Hitters

Reds

Electric infielder Elly De La Cruz hit his 23rd home run of the season in Friday's loss. A .263 hitter this season, De La Cruz' 62 steals represent the highest number in MLB by quite a significant margin.

"Elly De La Cruz matches the @Reds ingle-season HR record for a switch-hitter" - MLB

Catcher Tyler Stephenson has been on fire. A .362 hitter over the past two weeks, Stephenson has 2 home runs and 8 RBIs in the past two weeks.

Mets

Mark Vientos has been the primary hero of the Mets' hot streak. Vientos has hit three home runs and five RBIs in the past week. His .476 batting average over the past week is third in MLB during that time.

Francisco Lindor represents a constant threat. Boasting his highest slugging percentage since his 2019 campaign as a member of the Cleveland Guardians, Lindor has five home runs, 11 RBIs and a .321 batting average over the past two weeks.

Jesse Winker has been hitting .302 since he arrived with the Mets from a deadline deal with the Washington Nationals. A career .391 hitter against Cincinnati, Winker also has two home runs and eight RBIs in his last 12 games.

Reds vs Mets baseball betting odds

Saturday 7/9	Money Line	Run Spread	Total Runs
Cincinnati Reds	+135	+1.5 -155	O 8.5 -110
New York Mets	-160	-1.5 +130	U 8.5 -110

Reds vs Mets expert picks and game prediction

It's hard to argue with the incredible streak that the Mets have established for themselves. Over the past week, New York ranks third in MLB in home runs, ninth in runs scored, and perhaps most importantly, third in ERA allowed.

While the Reds have been middling over the past little while, it will take a mammoth effort to pour enough fire to extinguish the burning fire of the Mets.

Run Line: +1.5 +130

Total Runs: U 8.5

Prediction: Mets W, 5-1