“I’d probably give it an 8½,” Phillips said after yet another highlight-reel play.

Courtesy USA Today (AP)

Brandon Phillips loves to fool around in the field during batting practice, trying all sorts of tricks with his glove. It’s fun and besides, someday it might come in handy.

As in the sixth inning Sunday.

The star second baseman made a between-the-legs flip to start a flashy double play and also hit a tiebreaking single, leading the Cincinnati Reds past the New York Mets 3-1 for their sixth consecutive win.

“It just happened,” the three-time Gold Glove winner said. “It just came naturally.”

Reds manager Dusty Baker added, “Anything you see him do out there, he’s practiced: bare hand, behind-the-back.”

The National League Central leaders completed their first three-game sweep in New York since 2001 and matched their longest winning streak of the season. The Reds finished 6-2 this year in visits to Citi Field and Yankee Stadium.

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