The New York Mets (76-64) are now in the home stretch of the season, so every game is very important. Their next task will be to prevail at home against the Cincinnati Reds (68-73), who have won four games in a row. The margin for error is very small, and winning the games they are supposed to win will be crucial in the race for a playoff spot.

Before we get to the upcoming series, let’s take a look at what happened earlier this week.

Photo by Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Mets extend winning streak to seven with victory over Boston

It seems the Mets are hitting their stride at the most important time of the year. Their winning streak continued this week, winning each of their three games against the Boston Red Sox. The Mets kept their offense under control, allowing a total of six runs in the entire series. With the National League race remaining tight until the end, any slip-up could prove costly. The Mets didn’t let up, showing their dominance against another team fighting for the playoffs. With their second straight sweep, the Mets have the longest active winning streak in baseball.

What’s it about?

The race for the National League wild card has changed significantly in the last week. Seven days ago, the Mets were three games out of last place. But that gap has quickly disappeared, as the Mets are now tied with the Braves on Friday. In addition to minding their own business, the Mets have gotten help elsewhere. The team has not only caught up with Atlanta, but has also narrowed the gap on the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres. The Mets are now 2 1/2 games behind the Diamondbacks and three behind the Padres.

Despite what their overall record might suggest, the Reds are coming into this series full of confidence. They beat the first-place Houston Astros in three games, winning 1-0 on Thursday afternoon. The Reds’ playoff hopes are nil, but the motivation to finish above .500 and be a spoiler is still there. The Mets will not see any of their top three starters, Andrew Abbott, Hunter Greene And Nick Lodolo are all on the injured list. Nevertheless, this weekend series will put the Mets to the test.

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PITCHING duels

• Friday: Fernando Cruz (3-8, 4.99 ERA) vs. Sean Manaea (11-5, 3.35 ERA): Cruz has started as an opener in his last few appearances after being used as a top-flight reliever for most of the season. In 63 appearances, he has recorded 22 holds, the most on the team. Cruz has thrown 42 pitches in each of his starts so far. Manaea is currently at his best, throwing seven innings in four of his last six starts. The Mets have been very successful with him on the mound, winning seven of the last eight games he has started. Manaea has a 2-0 record and a 2.70 ERA in three career appearances against the Reds.
• Saturday: To be announced vs. Jose Quintana (7-9, 4.27 ERA): The Reds are playing a bullpen game on Friday and there is a chance that it will be the same on Saturday. If the team decides to name a starter, Brandon Williamson, Jacob Junis And Carson Spires could be used. Quintana has looked strong in his last two starts, allowing just one earned run in 11 1/3 innings. The veteran has a 5-4 record with a 2.93 ERA in 15 career appearances (14 starts) against the Reds.
• Sunday: Julian Aguiar (1-0, 6.48 ERA) vs. Luis Severino (10-6, 3.84 ERA): Aguiar is coming off the shortest appearance of his brief major league career. He allowed two runs on two hits in 2 2/3 innings against the Astros on Monday. Aguiar’s season-high in walks is 91, which he posted against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Aug. 24. Severino has rebounded in recent weeks, posting a 2.10 ERA in his last four appearances. The right-hander has shined at Citi Field, going 6-2 with a 2.98 ERA in 14 home games this season.