Nick Lodolo of the Reds gave hit team an excellent start to put them back in the winning column and to put pressure on the Mets. He struck out twelve batters in six and one third scoreless innings, matching his career high for a game. The Reds managed two runs, and that was enough to beat the Pirates 2-1. They are now 1/2 games behind the Mets, waiting for the outcome of New York’s game against the Cubs. The Reds hold the tie breaker in a head to head tie.