The Mets smacked three home runs in the third inning to give Kodai Senga all the runs he’d need in his debut start of the 2024 season, as the Mets won their fifth-straight game, 8-4, over the Braves Friday night at Citi Field. With the win, the Mets moved half a game in front of the Braves and are now second place in the NL East, as well as the top Wild Card.
Trailing 2-0 in the third inning, the Mets put up a seven spot. J.D. Martinez belted a grand slam to give the Mets the lead. Following a Jeff McNeil double, Mark Vientos homered. One out later, Francisco Alvarez hit a 409-foot homer to center field to cap the scoring in the frame.
Senga rebounded from a rough final rehab start to throw 5.1 IP with 9 Ks. Unfortunately, Senga had to leave the game with a strain of his left calf. The Mets were able to finish the game with “B” relievers, who gave up 2 ER in 3.2 IP but the Mets had a big enough lead for that not to matter.
Eights were wild for the Mets, as they had 8 R on 8 H with 8 Ks for the night. Martinez had a 3-hit game, while Vientos added two hits on the night.
The Mets look to clinch the series win in Saturday’s 4:10 p.m. game, with Tylor Megill making his first start back after his trip to the minors.
Gut Reaction: Senga return reminded us how good he is. Senga injury reminds us that we need more pitching. Ryne Stanek acquisition was a step in the right direction but they need more and better so that Butto can take his rightful place in the rotation.
The Braves and Morton self-destructed in the third inning. The bases were loaded without a hit and Martinez capitalized.
Let’s win this series this weekend.
That Kodai Snega is injured is a shocker as many believed he was the white knight riding in to lead the team into the payoffs. Up until his injury, he was the Senga of last year. Now we are short again and still without a real ace of the staff. Nice to tag Morton as he has had their number many times in the past. Nice to see JD get back into the swing of things and Vientos has proven himself batting .290 with an OPS of .897, to go along with 14 HR and 38 RBI in just 58 games. Bye bye Brett Baty. Glad to see Alvarez finally connect. Ottavino got the job done but his appearances are always scary. Orze now with a measurable ERA and they survived Diekman who oddly did not issue a walk. Megill back up fighting for his roster spot against a marginal Braves starter and Peterson and his 5-0 record and 3.14 ERA against Reynaldo Lopez for the sweep. Thinking 3/4 is more realistic.
Can they secure a big time starter by Tuesday? Can they bring in a significant pen arm? A surprise huge outfield bat would be a big boost, ala Cespedes. With all the expiring contracts they can still rework the team in the off season and maybe land a Soto, but for now, as good as they’ve played since June 1, what the heck, let’s go for it.