Rally falls short as Reds let chances slip by

CINCINNATI — The Mets need the Giants and Cardinals to falter to take one of the National League Wild Card spots they currently possess, but have done their part to keep the pressure applied. A 6-3 victory over the Reds on Wednesday meant a three-game series sweep for New York, five straight victories and wins in 14 of their past 18 games.

It was a 5-0 lead for the Mets until the eighth inning. Jose Reyes got them started by hitting the first pitch of the game from Anthony DeSclafani for a home run to right field. In the third inning, a two-out fielding error by shortstop Jose Peraza on Yoenis Cespedes’ ground ball opened the door to another run. DeSclafani threw a wild pitch and was late covering the plate for a throw as Reyes easily scored.

Leading off the sixth inning, Curtis Granderson slugged a homer to right-center field that gave the Mets a three-run lead. That was enough space for Noah Syndergaard, who lacked command and labored for five scoreless innings. He allowed six hits and four walks, striking out seven while throwing 95 pitches. After his departure, Wilmer Flores added on with a pinch-hit two-run homer to center field in the eighth against lefty reliever Wandy Peralta.

Mets pitchers didn’t have an easy afternoon as the Reds put runners on base in every inning. But Cincinnati went 3-for-13 with runners …

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