Mets Look to Avoid Sweep Against Reds Behind McLean's Start

The Cincinnati Reds are on the verge of their first home sweep of the season as they host the New York Mets for a Wednesday matinee at Great American Ball Park. First pitch is scheduled for 12:40 PM ET under a sun-cloud mix, setting the stage for a critical National League clash.[1][5]

The Reds have dominated the first two games of the series, outscoring New York 17-3. That impressive run differential includes a 12-0 blowout behind a dominant Chase Burns outing on Monday, followed by a 5-3 victory on Tuesday night that was fueled by a massive four-run first inning.[4][7]

New York, meanwhile, has dropped four straight games and fallen to 4-6 over their last ten contests. The Mets are struggling significantly away from Citi Field, sitting nine games under .500 on the road this season and desperately needing a win to stabilize their rocky June.[4][7]

To stop the bleeding, the Mets will turn to right-hander Nolan McLean, who enters the game with a 3-4 record and a 4.01 ERA. Despite the surface-level earned run average, underlying metrics suggest McLean has pitched quite well, boasting a 1.14 WHIP and ranking in the 82nd percentile in expected batting average.[3][7]

McLean has been in a solid groove recently, allowing two or fewer earned runs in three consecutive starts. However, he will be looking for redemption against this specific Cincinnati lineup, who tagged him for seven runs on five hits in just 3 1/3 innings back on May 25 in New York.[5][7]

The Reds will counter with left-hander Nick Lodolo, who carries a 2-1 record and a 5.21 ERA into the series finale. Lodolo has struggled mightily since returning from an early-season blister issue, battling severe command problems and allowing eight home runs across his seven starts.[6][7]

Cincinnati's lineup has been carrying the load during this recent surge, relying heavily on power to overcome their pitching inconsistencies. Rookie third baseman Sal Stewart has been the primary catalyst, breaking out of a slump with a tape-measure three-run homer on Tuesday to bring his season total to 14 home runs and 47 RBI.[2][5]

The Mets will need their established stars to wake up and provide much-needed run support. Juan Soto continues to produce at a high level, hitting .289 with 15 home runs, while Bo Bichette has been a rare bright spot in this series, recording multiple hits in both games against the Reds.[4][5]

Neither team is currently challenging for their respective division titles, as the Reds sit 10 games back and the Mets are 15 games out. However, the crowded National League Wild Card race keeps both clubs highly motivated, and dropping games to direct competitors carries a heavy cost as the summer heats up.[4]

Despite the Reds' dominance in the first two games of the series, oddsmakers actually favor the Mets to salvage the finale. Analysts point to the clear starting pitching advantage with McLean over Lodolo, as well as the Mets' top-10 bullpen, as key factors that could prevent a Cincinnati sweep.[6][7]