The Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets were at opposite ends of the baseball spectrum at the beginning of the year. The Reds were 3-22 on May 5, having lost 20 of their previous 21 games. Meanwhile, the Mets were 19-9, holding a 5.5 game lead in the NL East. The Mets had their eyes on the postseason while Reds players were likely able to start booking their offseason vacations.
But something strange has happened over the Reds’ last 20 games. They have started to win, looking like the fringe playoff team they were projected to be at the start of the season. The Reds are 11-9 in their past 20 games, a remarkable turnaround for a team that was essentially eliminated from playoff contention in the first month of the season.
Cincinnati Reds matching New York Mets over last 20 games
Interestingly enough, that record happens to be identical to a division leader. The Mets have also posted an 11-9 record in their last 20 games as they remain the only team over .500 in their division.
There are reasons for the Mets’ relative struggles over their past 20 games. The pitching staff has taken a hit with Tylor Megill, Trevor May, and Max Scherzer being sidelined. Chris Bassitt has started to look a bit more mortal. Their bench has not been overly productive, something that could be a problem going forward.
Meanwhile, the Reds are getting players back. Joey Votto is looking like himself once again. Luis Castillo has finally made his 2022 debut. Players that struggled at the beginning of the season are finding their way. The Reds are starting to play up to their potential.
But unlike the Mets, it is likely too little too late. The Reds dug themselves a 3-22 hole at the start of the season that will be virtually impossible to get out of. However, the last 20 games heading into Friday are a reason to hope that maybe, just maybe, they can do exactly that.
The Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets have the same record in their last 20 games. Maybe the Reds can find a way out of their early hole after all.