The New York Mets found themselves in a difficult position early on Sunday night at Dodger Stadium as they faced the Los Angeles Dodgers in the opening game of the National League Championship Series. Starting pitcher Kodai Senga, making only his second appearance after returning from a 60-day injury list, struggled significantly, allowing three earned runs and recording just four outs. The Mets ultimately fell to the Dodgers by a score of 9-0 in front of 53,503 fans.
Due to Senga’s lack of control, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was forced to call upon four different relievers to finish the game. The Dodgers capitalized further, scoring three additional runs against David Peterson in the fourth inning and adding three more off Jose Butto in the eighth.
The Mets’ offense faltered in this critical matchup, particularly against Dodgers starter Jack Flaherty, who threw seven scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and two walks while striking out six.
In a game where the Mets had hoped to showcase their comeback abilities seen throughout the playoffs, they were unable to overcome an early deficit.
Key moments included Mookie Betts delivering a critical three-run double after the Dodgers loaded the bases, extending their lead to 9-0 due in part to an error by Mets first baseman Pete Alonso. Flaherty maintained his dominance, retiring the final eight hitters he faced and holding the Mets scoreless while showcasing pinpoint control.
Mets outfielder Jesse Winker made a costly baserunning mistake, after recording the Mets’ first hit of the game. Winker was picked off trying to advance from second to third on a single, exacerbating the team’s struggles.
The Dodgers continued to extend their lead as Shohei Ohtani contributed with an RBI single that chased Senga from the game. With another single from Freddie Freeman, the Dodgers built a commanding 6-0 advantage.
Flaherty’s performance was notable, as he succeeded where he had faltered in his previous postseason start, effectively shutting down the Mets’ lineup. After just 1⅓ innings, Mendoza decided to replace Senga as he struggled with command, facing difficulties that resulted in early runs for the Dodgers.
As the Mets prepared for Game 1 of the NLCS, attention turned to the anticipation and strategies of both teams as they faced off in this pivotal matchup.