Reds fall 19 games under .500 with third straight loss

Reds rally late but unable to overcome early 5-0 deficit

The Cincinnati Reds followed a familiar script Monday in losing their third game in a row and 27th game of the 2018 season.

A poor performance by a starting pitcher, this time Homer Bailey, left the Reds in a 5-0 hole. Despite a late rally, they lost 7-6 to the New York Mets in the opener of a three-game series at Great American Ball Park.

Here’s a quick recap of the game:

Big picture: At 8-27, the Reds are tied with the 1931 and 1934 Reds for the franchise's worst start through 35 games. It's one of the 16 worst starts in baseball since 1900. In the last 30 years, only the 1988 Baltimore Orioles (5-30) have been worse.

» RELATED: Finnegan will get at least one more start

More struggles: One day after Brandon Finnegan allowed four runs in the first inning and left the game after allowing five earned runs in 3 1/3 innings, Bailey gave up six earned runs on eight hits in four innings. His ERA climbed from 4.81 to 5.61. It was his shortest outing of the season.

Bad start: Mets lead-off hitter Michael Conforto hit the second pitch of the game into the left-field seats. The Mets added a run in the first inning to take a 2-0 lead.

Happy homecoming: Former Reds right fielder Jay Bruce, playing his third game in Cincinnati as a visiting player, hit a two-run home run in the third inning to give the Mets a 4-0 lead.

Comeback attempt: Billy Hamilton got the Reds offense going with a solo home run in the third inning. It was his second home run of the season. Home runs by Eugenio Suarez in the sixth and Scooter Gennett in the eighth helped the Reds get back in the game.

Quick contribution: On the same day he was promoted from Triple-A Louisville, Jackson Stephens pitched two innings of relief. He allowed one earned run on three hits.

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