CINCINNATI — Even in a lineup that continues to produce at respectable levels, Michael Conforto’s September swoon was damaging for the Mets.
A roller-coaster season for the outfielder dipped at maybe the worst possible time, but at least a glimmer of the dependable lefty slugger reappeared Sunday.
Conforto crushed a first-inning fastball from Trevor Bauer for a three-run homer of the no-doubt variety, and the Mets rolled to a 6-3 victory over the Reds at Great American Ball Park.
The Mets, who began the day 4 ½ games behind the Brewers for the NL’s second wild card, still need a miracle to reach the postseason, but will at least arrive at Citi Field on Monday for the final homestand of the season mathematically alive.