New York - Jonathon Niese put to rest any worries about his health. Travis d'Arnaud did little to set aside any concerns about his ability to hit big league pitching.

Niese was sharp into the sixth inning of his injury delayed first start of the season Sunday, when the New York Mets lost 2-1 to the Cincinnati Reds, missing an opportunity to finish off a three-game sweep.

"I was very, very impressed, his velocity stayed consistent throughout the game," manager Terry Collins said of Niese. "He's got a repertoire that's going to get people out."

Niese (0-1), who was slowed by shoulder weakness and elbow inflammation this spring, held Cincinnati to two hits through five innings but gave up three straight singles to open the sixth, beginning with Reds fill-in starter Alfredo Simon (1-0).

Chris Heisey, in the lineup for Billy Hamilton, who has a jammed left middle finger, and Brandon Phillips each singled to load the bases, and Joey Votto followed with a sacrifice fly and Ryan Ludwick singled to left for a 2-1 lead.

Jay Bruce then grounded to first base, ending Niese's day on his 90th pitch.

The left-hander allowed six hits and two runs in 5 2-3 innings in front of dozens of dogs at Citi Field on Bark in the Park day.

"I feel good, felt like the ball was coming out of my hand pretty well, obviously didn't have any pain," Niese said.

Collins thought the Mets had a chance to take a lead in the seventh when d'Arnaud sent a drive to left but it was caught at the warning track, extending the catcher's hitless start to 0 for 15.

"There's no easy answers here," Collins said. "The only way you do it is grind it out and have an approach, stick with it."

• The Mets say closer Bobby Parnell will have Tommy John surgery and is out for the season. Parnell blew a save on opening day against Washington and the next day it was revealed he had partially torn right elbow ligament.

The team said he received a plasma injection and the original plan was for him to rest about two weeks before starting a throwing program and then deciding whether to have surgery.

Less than a week later, the Mets announced on Sunday that Parnell would undergo ligament replacement surgery. The surgery is scheduled for Tuesday.

Parnell was 5-5 with a 2.16 ERA and 22 saves in 26 chances last year, but the hard-throwing right-hander missed the last two months because of neck surgery.