(Sports Network) - The Mets usually have trouble scoring runs when Johan Santana takes the hill. However, as of late it doesn't matter who the starter has been for this struggling offense.

After getting shut out for the third time in seven games in last night's opener, New York will try to find its offense tonight in the second contest of a three-game series with the Cincinnati Reds at Citi Field.

The Mets lost Friday's contest by a 3-0 margin, their sixth loss in seven games. They have plated just 10 runs in that span and have fallen 6 1/2 games back of Philadelphia for first place in the National League East.

New York managed just four hits off Reds starter Bronson Arroyo, who posted the second shutout of his career. One of those four hits came from starter Fernando Nieve, who gave up three runs over six innings in taking the loss.

"It's obviously frustrating," David Wright told the Mets' Web site. "Everyone's cold at the same time; we can't really mount anything. The innings we get a guy on, it's two outs, runner on first. We're not giving ourselves a chance."

New York might find it tough to break out of this slump with Santana on the hill. Even though Santana has allowed two runs or fewer in three of his last five starts, he is just 1-4 in that span. He faced the Phillies on Sunday and gave up a pair of solo homers over seven innings, but lost a 2-0 decision as the Mets were shut out for the second time in his last five outings.

In fact, the Mets have scored just seven runs in Santana's last five starts, which explains his 9-7 record despite a 3.29 earned run average.

The 30-year-old lefty has thrived at Citi Field this year, going 6-2 with a 2.08 ERA in nine home starts. Santana beat the Reds on April 6 after allowing just a run over 5 2/3 innings and is 2-0 with a 5.48 ERA in his career versus Cincinnati.

He could have a new face behind him tonight in Jeff Francoeur, who was acquired from the Braves on Friday for fellow outfielder Ryan Church. Francoeur hit 29 homers in 2006, but has seen his power numbers go down each year and is batting .250 this season with five homers and 35 RBI.

Joey Votto had a pair of hits for the Reds in Friday's win, including a home run, and is hitting .370 (20-for-54) over a career-best 13-game hitting streak. He is 2-for-7 lifetime versus Santana.

Johnny Cueto takes the hill for the Reds, who had lost four of five before last night's win, aiming to recover from the worst outing of his career. The right-hander lasted just two-thirds of an inning versus the Phillies on Monday and in that time allowed nine runs on five hits and three walks. The outing lifted Cueto's season ERA from 2.69 to 3.45 and dropped his record to 8-5.

Cueto, who is 6-3 on the road, has faced the Mets twice and is 0-1 with a 10.80 ERA, having allowing 12 runs over 10 innings.

The Mets won two of three in Cincinnati when the clubs met there on April 6-9. This marks the Reds first trip to Citi Field.