PHILADELPHIA — The Kodai Senga experiment began terribly and ended up superb.
Making his second begin of 2024 and first begin since July, final yr’s Mets ace returned for an NLDS look wherein he threw 31 pitches — and needed a type of again.
Senga allowed one run (on a leadoff bomb from Kyle Schwarber) in two innings earlier than giving technique to David Peterson because the Mets opened the collection in opposition to the Phillies at Residents Financial institution Park on Saturday.
After build up behind the scenes in Port St. Lucie following a calf pressure and shoulder tightness throughout a rehab begin, Senga took the mound as a wild card, a last-minute roster addition who shocked the Phillies and even a few of his teammates.
Schwarber was not shocked by his third pitch.
The opening batter of the Phillies’ playoff run demolished a middle-of-the-plate fastball midway up the second deck in proper area.
Observe The Publish’s protection of the Mets within the postseason:
Starling Marte didn’t trouble taking a step backward on a 425-foot blast that left Schwarber’s bat at 115.8 mph.
That might be the one hit Senga allowed, although.
He walked one batter and struck out three, each his slider and ghost forkball sharp.
Senga’s velocity was barely down, however he touched 97 mph along with his fastball.
He pitched two first rate innings and turns into an attractive choice if he lengthens out later within the playoffs — if the Mets are nonetheless taking part in later within the playoffs.
