Mets 8, Reds 4: Rookie Matt Harvey pitched 7 2/3 innings of one-run ball and helped himself with a two-run double as visiting New York snapped Cincinnati's five-game winning streak.

Ike Davis and Jason Bay belted solo homers as the Mets averted a three-game sweep with only their third win in seven games.

Harvey (2-3), who won his major league debut on July 26, snapped a three-start losing streak. He struck out eight and allowed four hits, yielding his only run on a one-out double by Jay Bruce in the seventh.

The rookie right-hander also drove in his first two major-league runs with a two-out double in the third inning to give the Mets a 3-0 lead.

The slumping Bay, in his return to the starting lineup, had a pair of hits including a solo homer in the sixth inning - his sixth of the year and first since July 18. Davis added an RBI double in the ninth.

Homer Bailey (10-8) was roughed up for six runs - four earned - on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings as the Reds had their lead in the NL Central Division cut to six games over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Ryan Ludwick hit his 22nd homer of the year and third in the past six games in the ninth off beleaguered Mets closer Frank Francisco, who allowed three runs on four hits before Jon Rauch came on to get the final out for his third save.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Bay's homer was also his first extra-base hit since July 18. He had only seven hits in his last 65 at-bats entering Thursday's game. ... Bailey has allowed 20 runs over 19 2/3 innings in his last four starts. ... The Mets sent RHP Pedro Beato to the Boston Red Sox to complete the trade for C Kelly Shoppach. ... The Reds will host the Chicago Cubs for a three-game set on Friday while the Mets continue their six-game road trip with three games against the NL East-leading Washington Nationals.