QUEENS, Ny. (WMDJ) — The Cincinnati Reds used a four-run fourth inning and a strong start from Nick Lodolo to open their series with a 7-2 win over the New York Mets on Memorial Day at Citi Field.

Cincinnati got on the board in the second inning when Sal Stewart scored on a force out by Spencer Steer. A wild pitch later in the inning allowed Eugenio Suárez to come home and make it 2-0.

The Reds added to the lead in the third when JJ Bleday launched a solo home run to right-center, his seventh of the season.

The big blow came in the fourth. Steer delivered a two-run single to center, bringing home Suárez and Nathaniel Lowe. Tyler Stephenson followed with a two-run homer to left, stretching the Reds’ advantage to 7-0.

Lodolo turned in one of his better outings of the season, earning his first win by allowing one run on six hits over six innings while striking out seven and walking none.

The Mets managed solo runs in the sixth and seventh innings, including a home run by Marcus Semien, but Cincinnati’s bullpen held the rest of the way. Brent Burke, Ian Gibaut Antone, Sam Moll and Graham Ashcraft combined to close it out, with the bullpen striking out five over the final three innings.

Steer drove in three runs for Cincinnati, while Stephenson added two RBIs. Suárez scored twice and collected two hits.

The Reds improve to 28-25 with the win but still fourth in the NL Central.

Cincinnati and New York continue the three-game series Tuesday night. First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. with the Inside Pitch pregame show at 6:40 p.m. on WMDJ FM 100.1.