Chris Bassitt was worthy of a gold star for his effectiveness and yet another for longevity Monday night.
The Mets had utilized their bullpen plenty in playing five games over four days against the Braves, and extra rest for that group was a commodity, even a day after many of manager Buck Showalter’s top options remained idle.
Bassitt emerged with eight strong innings that led a 5-1 victory over the Reds at Citi Field. The Mets won for the sixth time in seven games and widened their NL East lead on the Braves to seven games.
Already at 95 pitches, Bassitt was entrusted the eighth and struck out potential tying run Aristides Aquino after allowing a two-out single to Jake Fraley. Bassitt threw a season-high 114 pitches in allowing one unearned run on eight hits with eight strikeouts and one walk.
“I think genuinely that is why they brought me over here was for that reason: I am not afraid to go over 100 pitches,” Bassitt said. “I am confident going past 100 and I don’t think my stuff declines.”
NEW YORK SPORTS THIS WEEK 