Jay Bruce hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning and the Cincinnati Reds won their fourth game in a row, beating the New York Mets 3-0 Tuesday night.

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The NL Central leaders and the Mets were a combined 0 for 18 with runners in scoring position before Bruce connected with no outs.

Brandon Phillips drew a leadoff walk in the ninth from Manny Acosta (1-3), New York's fifth pitcher. Ryan Ludwick followed with single that sent Phillips to second.

Left-handed reliever Josh Edgin came in to face the lefty-hitting Bruce, who sent a drive into the left-field seats. It was Bruce's 23rd homer of the season and second in the Reds' last two games -- both off lefties.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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