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Reds hope to claim series win in finale vs. Mets

Jul 20, 2008 - 2:51 PM NY Mets (52-46) at Cincinnati (48-51) 1:15 pm EDT

CINCINNATI (Ticker) -- Solid pitching was a large part of the driving force behind the New York Mets' recent 10-game winning streak. Lately, however, that statement has applied more to the Cincinnati Reds.

Edinson Volquez attempts to become the second 13-game winner in the National League on Sunday when the Reds hope to claim a series win over the Mets in the finale of their four-game set.

New York permitted a total of four runs over six games prior to the All-Star break, posting four shutouts in that stretch while continuing to extend its winning streak. However, the torrid pitching spell appeared to stop with the completion of the Midsummer Classic, as the team has surrendered at least five runs in each of the first three games of this series.

On the other hand, Josh Fogg followed a stellar four-hit, eight-inning performance from Bronson Arroyo on Friday with six more solid innings on Saturday, helping the Reds down the Mets for the second straight contest, 7-2.

Rookie Joey Votto drove in three runs for Cincinnati, including a two-run triple during a fourth-run seventh.

That kind of run support would make the Mets' efforts against Volquez (12-3, 2.29 ERA), NL's leader in ERA, all the more difficult. The righthander is on the cusp of joining Arizona's Brandon Webb - who is also pitching on Sunday - as the only hurlers in the majors with 13 wins this season.

Although Volquez has slipped a bit from his incredible early-season performance, he has continued to win. The first-time All-Star collected his fifth win over his last six decisions on July 12, permitting two runs - one earned - and striking out 10 batters over seven innings in the Reds' 8-2 road win over Milwaukee.

He'll be opposed by another righthander that has done nothing but win lately in Mike Pelfrey (8-6, 3.64). The 24-year-old, who has won six straight starts, was stellar in his last outing at home before the All-Star break, allowing just six hits over eight solid frames as the Mets cruised to a 7-0 win over Colorado last Sunday.