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Disappointing NLCS Opener for the Mets in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES — As the Mets arrived at Dodger Stadium, an iconic venue framed by the breathtaking San Gabriel Mountains and lined with meticulously maintained grounds that exude California’s vibrant charm, they delivered one of their worst performances in recent memory.
The team that had been riding high for weeks stumbled, leaving fans bewildered by‍ their unexpected collapse.
A Game to Forget
Once a source of fascination during this memorable early October stretch, the‌ Mets became a frustrating spectacle to watch in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series. The 9-0 defeat felt more like a complete shutdown than a competitive game.
Prior to the game, Mets supporters rallied around owner Steve Cohen, chanting “Uncle Steve” in unison. However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically as the game unfolded, replaced by chants of “Fredd-ie, Fredd-ie” and “M-V-P”—a clear indication that it was not the Mets’ star, Francisco Lindor, being celebrated.
A No-Show in L.A.
It was undoubtedly a festival without the Mets in attendance. Their performance mirrored a complete forfeit, leaving fans disappointed. Kodai Senga, known for his elusive ghost fork pitch, seemed to vanish himself when the Mets needed him most, looking more like a late-season call-up than a celebrated ace.
Having only pitched 7 ¹/₃ innings so far in 2024, Senga appeared unprepared and tossed just 93 mph—nearly 5 mph below his usual speed. His struggles were glaring, with 30 pitches thrown and 20 classified as balls. In modern baseball terms, he significantly underperformed.
Dodgers Dominate
Meanwhile, the Mets’ offense was stifled, producing a mere two hits against Dodgers starter Jack Flaherty. Flaherty’s dominance not only preserved the bullpen but also contributed to the Dodgers’ historic streak of 33 consecutive postseason innings without conceding a run—tying the all-time record set by the legendary 1966 Orioles.
An early opportunity seemed to present itself when the Mets opened the game with two hits. Yet, Jesse Winker was left in a precarious situation, caught between second and third base, further underscoring the Mets’ struggles.
Inconsistent Pitching and Tough Decisions
Having just come off a tough battle against their divisional rivals, the Dodgers appeared to find the Mets’ performance unchallenging at best. Senga’s lack of production raises questions about the Mets’ decision-making, especially considering his prior struggles in Game 1 of the Division Series against Philadelphia.
“He was off,” acknowledged Mets manager Carlos Mendoza. “He didn’t have it.”
Looking Ahead
Senga’s inability to throw strikes early in the game was exasperating; three consecutive walks allowed two runs to score when Max Muncy capitalized with a hit on Senga’s 21st pitch, which was only his sixth strike. The woes continued when he allowed a run in the second inning from Shohei Ohtani, who, despite struggling recently, found a way to contribute.
Despite enjoying a two-day break, Senga seemed out of rhythm, as he had seldom had such extended rest throughout the season, making this game all the more difficult for him.
Confronting the Obstacles
With Senga limited to just over an inning, the Mets were effectively forced into a bullpen strategy, a tactic that is becoming a hallmark for the Dodgers. Tasked with capitalizing on the Dodgers’ battered starting lineup, the Mets failed to provide any offense against a fully-recovered Flaherty, who proved that the Yankees’ hesitation to trade for him due to injury concerns was unwarranted.
The Road Ahead
Game 1 is now relegated to the history books, and for the Mets, it is best left forgotten. Highlighting their resilience, Jose Iglesias optimistically noted, “It’s just baseball. We will return tomorrow with renewed energy and continue fighting.”
This team has a history of overcoming adversity, and with a full seven-game series ahead, they have ample opportunity to rebound. The Mets have a remarkable tendency to make comebacks, demonstrating tenacity that defies expectations.
Though they have triumphed against all odds to reach this point, they now face formidable opposition. The Dodgers, despite their significant payroll injuries, boast an impressive roster of stars and a robust bullpen. Navigating this challenge won’t be easy, but if any team is capable, it’s the Mets. They just need to clear their minds of this dismal opener.
