The Mets suffered a crushing 9-0 defeat at the hands of the Dodgers in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium. Kodai Senga’s early struggles and a potent Dodgers offense proved too much for the Mets to overcome.
Senga, making his second start since returning from the injured list, lasted only 1⅓ innings, giving up three earned runs on four walks and one hit. His inability to find the strike zone put the Mets in an early hole they couldn’t escape.
alt text: Mets pitcher Kodai Senga throws a pitch during a game.
The Dodgers capitalized on Senga’s wildness, scoring two runs in the first inning on a bases-loaded single by Max Muncy. They added another run in the second, chasing Senga from the game. The Mets bullpen fared no better, surrendering six more runs throughout the game.
Meanwhile, Dodgers starter Jack Flaherty was masterful, shutting down the Mets offense for seven scoreless innings. He allowed only two hits and two walks while striking out six. The Mets were unable to muster any significant offensive threat against Flaherty’s dominant performance.
Mookie Betts delivered the final blow with a bases-clearing double in the eighth inning, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 9-0. Betts’ three-run double punctuated a dominant offensive performance by the Dodgers, who collected 13 hits in the game.
The Mets’ offense struggled throughout the game, managing only two hits. Jesse Winker’s baserunning blunder in the fifth inning cost the Mets a potential run, further highlighting their offensive woes.
Shohei Ohtani contributed to the Dodgers’ victory with an RBI single and a run scored. His presence in the Dodgers’ lineup added another layer of difficulty for the Mets pitchers.
David Peterson and Jose Butto, who followed Senga on the mound for the Mets, also struggled to contain the Dodgers’ offense. Peterson allowed three runs in the fourth, and Butto gave up three in the eighth.
The Mets will look to bounce back in Game 2 and even the series. However, they face a daunting task against a Dodgers team that appears to be firing on all cylinders. The loss puts the Mets in a must-win situation for the remainder of the series. Catching the Mets Game Today Live will be crucial for fans hoping to witness a potential comeback.
