Cincy takes 2 of 3 from Amazin’s

9/5 - Crosley Field
Reds 4, Mets 2
Ron Darling vs Jim Maloney
Both teams had 6 hits, but the Reds managed to be a bit more productive with their safeties.  Both teams exchanged 2 spots in the first.  Jim Maloney settled down and shut the Mets out the rest of the way and got within one out of getting a complete game.  After HoJo, who hit a 2 run shot in the first drove Ken Griffey back to the base of the wall Rob Dibble was called upon to get the final out.  "Dibbs jammed Dave Magadan who hit a slow roller to second to end the game.  Kluszewski and Ed Bailey hit solo shots for the Reds.  Maloney fanned 6 and walked none to capture his 4th win of the season.

9/6 - Shea Stadium
Mets 10, Reds 9
Jose Rijo vs Jerry Koosman
The Reds had a comfortable 9-4 lead heading into the 8th, but Pedro Borbon began pitching BP to the Mets and next thing you knew it the game was tie at 9-9.  Lee Mazzilli's 2 run pinch hit homer with 2 outs ignited NY's rally.  After Buddy Harrelson followed that with a single pinch hitter Kevin McReynolds also hit a 2 run shot to tie it.  Three consecutive walks by Johnny Franco in the bottom of the 9th looked to spell doom for the Reds, but Dibbs got Eddie Kranepool to ground into a 6-2 fielder's choice that nailed Mex at the plate.  John Stearns struck out swinging for the second out and it looked like the Reds were going to force extra innings.  Buddy Harrelson, who doesn't hit a heck of a lot began fouling off pitches left and right until Dibbs finally lost him to walk in the winning run.

9/7 - Shea Stadium
Reds 6, Mets 3
Gary Nolan vs Jon Matlack
Nolan (4-0, 2.51) went out and gave his team 7 2/3 innings of rock solid work.  NY's Jon Matlack, who usually thrives on home cookin' was not good at all yielding 6 runs in 8 innings.  Cincy jumped out to a 4-0 lead after 3 innings, which made it an uphill battle for New York the rest of the way.  Cincy's balance offense only had 3 more hits than NY's, but just like game #1 of the series, they again made them count.  "Doggie", Tony Perez, once again was an RBI machine going 2 for 3 with 2 RBI's and run score.  He also worked out 2 walks.  Concepcion also had 2 hits.  George Foster injured his rib cage swinging at a ball in the dirt and left the game in the 4th.  He is listed as day by day and is expected back no later than September 13.