Mets down Reds to win ninth straight and stay in contention

Jose Quintana and three relievers combined on a six-hitter Saturday for the host New York Mets, who remained red-hot with a 4-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds in the middle game of a three-game series.

The Mets (78-64) got just two runners on in the first five innings against Jakob Junis before scoring four times in the sixth to earn their ninth straight win -- their longest streak since winning nine in a row from Apr. 3-13, 2018.

Santiago Espinal had two hits and a stolen base while Tyler Stephenson doubled and walked for the Reds (68-75), who have lost 10 of 16.

Quintana (8-9) gave up five hits and issued two walks while striking out six over 6 2/3 innings. It was the 100th career win for Quintana, who had only two 1-2-3 innings but induced a pair of double plays and limited the Reds to one hit in nine plate appearances with runners on.

Adam Ottavino struck out Amed Rosario to strand Espinal at third in the seventh and Danny Young threw a perfect eighth before Edwin Diaz worked the ninth in a non-save situation.

Harrison Bader homered off Sam Moll (3-2), who didn't retire any of the three batters he faced in the sixth, to end the scoreless duel. Pete Alonso (single) and J.D. Martinez (two-run double) added RBI hits for the Mets, who entered the game tied with the Atlanta Braves for the final National League wild card berth. The Braves were slated to play the Toronto Blue Jays later Saturday.

Jose Iglesias had two hits. Shortstop Francisco Lindor finished 0-for-3 to end his hitting streak at 16 games, though he drew a walk in the sixth and has reached base safely in 35 consecutive games.

Junis gave up just one hit and one walk while striking out five over five scoreless innings.

Junis retired the first 11 batters he faced on 46 pitches before walking Mark Vientos on a full count. The right-hander set down the next three batters before Iglesias ended the no-hit bid on a two-out double down the right field line.

--Field Level Media