Mark Vientos Powers Mets Past Reds 5-4 as Edwin Díaz Escapes Late Jam – Game Recap & Highlights (Sept. 5, 2025)

Friday, September 5th, 2025

New York Mets Edge Cincinnati Reds 5-4 in Tight Series Opener

The New York Mets started off their pivotal three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds with a narrow 5-4 victory, thanks to a clutch home run from Mark Vientos and high-pressure pitching by Edwin Díaz in the ninth inning. This win strengthens the Mets’ hold on the last National League wild card spot and pushes the fading Reds further from playoff contention.

Playoff Picture and Standings Impact

Cincinnati, now holding a 70-71 record, drops six games behind the Mets for the final NL wild card berth with just 21 games left to play. The Mets extend their lead over San Francisco to four games, holding onto the critical last playoff spot as the season’s end approaches.

Mark Vientos Fuels Mets Offense

Vientos played a pivotal role, driving in two runs and scoring twice. His solo home run to lead off the third inning gave the Mets a commanding 4-0 lead early in the game. He also collected an infield single in the opening frame, contributing to a three-run start for New York.

Francisco Lindor Provides Table-Setting Presence

Francisco Lindor provided patience and speed at the top of the lineup, drawing three walks and crossing the plate two times. His contributions set up crucial scoring opportunities for the Mets early on.

Edwin Díaz Escapes Ninth-Inning Jam

Closer Edwin Díaz entered the ninth inning with a slim one-run margin and quickly found himself in trouble after allowing a single and walking two batters to load the bases with no outs. Demonstrating composure, Díaz struck out Noelvi Marte and Elly De La Cruz before inducing a groundout from Gavin Lux to secure his 26th save. In the midst of the chaos, Díaz even swapped out his spikes for a new pair right on the mound.

Reds' Rally Falls Short

New York tallied all five of its runs against Reds starter Andrew Abbott over just the first four innings. Lindor and Juan Soto hit back-to-back doubles in the fourth, extending the Mets’ advantage to 5-1. The Reds responded in the bottom of the fourth, as catcher Tyler Stephenson, newly activated from the injured list, belted a two-run double and scored on Ke’Bryan Hayes’ sacrifice fly, closing the gap to 5-4. However, the Reds’ offense, which went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position, could not capitalize further, leaving valuable opportunities on base.

Mets Bullpen Holds Strong

David Peterson improved to 9-5 on the season after pitching 5 1/3 innings and giving up four runs on seven hits. The Mets bullpen kept the Reds scoreless for the remainder of the contest, ultimately sealing a crucial road victory.

Key Moment

Mark Vientos’ 16th homer of the year came in the third inning, providing New York with a 4-0 cushion. His early contributions gave the Mets vital momentum and a lead they would not relinquish.

Key Stat

The Reds struggled to deliver with runners in scoring position, going just 1 for 7 in such situations. Matt McLain’s strikeout with the bases loaded ended the sixth inning and stymied Cincinnati’s comeback bid.

Up Next

The Mets send prized prospect Jonah Tong (1-0, 1.80 ERA) to the mound for his second major league start in the next game of the series, facing Reds right-hander Brady Singer (12-9, 4.08 ERA).

In summary

The New York Mets earned a crucial 5-4 win over the Cincinnati Reds in a tightly contested series opener. Mark Vientos powered the offense with a home run and two RBIs, while Francisco Lindor set the table with three walks and two runs. Edwin Díaz locked down the ninth inning for his 26th save under immense pressure, and the Mets’ bullpen kept the Reds scoreless late. The win puts the Mets firmly in wild card position as the playoff race intensifies, while Cincinnati’s postseason hopes continue to slip away.

Related Links

• New York Mets News & Updates
• New York Mets Schedule & Scores
• Cincinnati Reds News & Updates
• Cincinnati Reds Schedule & Scores
• MLB News