Mets Don’t Mess Around This Time

After playing six one-run games in their last seven, the New York Mets changed their style Sunday and won by a blowout.

Todd Hundley hit home runs from both sides of the plate and the Mets defeated the Cincinnati Reds, 10-1, to win their fourth consecutive game.

Hundley, who went four for four, also doubled and singled. He matched his season high with four RBIs. He has hit home runs from both sides twice this year and a team-record five times in his career.

“These days don’t come along often,” Hundley said. “I hit the ball hard when guys were on base. I was very comfortable.”

Hundley batted right-handed and hit a leadoff home run off Kent Mercker (7-7) in the third. He then hit a three-run shot from the left side for his 22nd home run in the sixth off Felix Rodriguez.

Met Manager Bobby Valentine rested Hundley in Saturday’s 5-3 victory because of a sore right elbow.

“My elbow problem is still there,” he said. “It tells me it’s there, and I know it’s not going to go away, but it’s no worse. Our team is not going to go away either.”

Bernard Gilkey went three for four with a two-run home run. He has hit three home runs in four games, and has 18 RBIs in the last 23 games.

“I kept believing I’m a good player, and I am,” Gilkey said, “and no one can take that away from me. My team carried me when I was playing poorly, and now I’m part of the team again.”

Dave Mlicki (5-7) had the first two-hit game of his career and scored twice for the Mets. He gave up five hits in seven innings, striking out four and walking none.

“It looks like we got Mlicki more runs in one game today than we got for him all this season,” Hundley said. “Mlicki had soft stuff, he got it over the plate. He also used his fastball when he had to. He gave us a great effort.”

Mercker, who had won six of his previous seven decisions, gave up six runs and eight hits in four innings.

“This particular game, I don’t even feel bad about losing it,” Cincinnati Manager Ray Knight said.

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NEXT SERIES FOR DODGERS

WHO: New York Mets

WHERE: Dodger Stadium

WHEN: Tuesday: 7 p.m., Wednesday: 7:30 p.m., Thursday: 7 p.m.