2024-10-06 08:00:02
PHILADELPHIA – The Mets have found ways to thrive in the waning moments of postseason games.
Two nights after mounting a ninth-inning comeback against the Brewers, the Mets kept that late-game magic going in Game 1 of the National League Division Series.
The Mets sent up nine batters against the Phillies’ bullpen trio of Jeff Hoffman, Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering, and exploded for five runs in the eighth inning of the team’s 6-2 win over the Phillies on Saturday at Citizens Bank Park.
CRAZY EIGHTH:Mets bust out late-game magic once again in shocking Phillies in Game 1
The Mets’ bats had been silenced for seven scoreless innings against Phillies starter Zack Wheeler, who piled up nine strikeouts with one hit allowed. But once Wheeler was out of the game, the Mets found new life in the opening game of the best-of-five.
Mark Vientos knocked the game-tying RBI single, Brandon Nimmo hoisted the Mets ahead on an RBI single, and the Mets scored three more runs in the inning on a pair of sacrifice flies and pinch-hit RBI single by J.D. Martinez.
Here are the updates, news and analysis from Game 1 of the NLDS:
Mets bullpen seals the win
With Kodai Senga going two innings and David Peterson being saved for more innings down the line in the series, it was the Mets bullpen’s chance to shine on Saturday.
After Reed Garrett tossed two perfect innings in the sixth and seventh, Phil Maton struck out the opening two batters he faced before working around back-to-back hits. He got Alec Bohm to ground into a fielder’s choice to end the eighth.
Ryne Stanek gave up an RBI double to Johan Rojas but stopped the damage there to sweal the Mets’ Game 1 victory.
Mets offense finds its form, storms off with lead against Phillies bullpen
Once Zack Wheeler was out of the game, the Mets offense immediately sprung to life in the eighth inning to take a 5-1 lead.
With Jeff Hoffman in the game for the Phillies, Francisco Alvarez knocked a single up the middle and Francisco Lindor followed with a walk before Mark Vientos pulled a slider into left field for a game-tying RBI single, driving Hoffman from the game.
Matt Strahm did not fare any better, giving up an opposite-field RBI single to Brandon Nimmo, sacrifice fly to Pete Alonso and single to Jose Iglesias, who collected his hit on the 10th pitch of his at-bat.
J.D. Martinez knocked an RBI single off Orion Kerkering and Starling Marte added his own sacrifice fly to widen the gap.
Zack Wheeler silences the Mets
Zack Wheeler is done after seven innings, leaving the Phillies in solid shape after seven scoreless innings. He struck out nine Mets batters and allowed one hit and four walks.
The Mets only had one player reach scoring position when Mark Vientos singled and moved to second on a walk.
Wheeler’s velocity was up across the board in his first postseason start of 2024.
David Peterson was pretty strong, too
The Mets turned to David Peterson once Kodai Senga threw his first two innings since late July.
Peterson, who recorded his first save of his career in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series, turned in another quality outing out of the bullpen.
The left-hander tossed three scoreless innings while working around three walks and one hit. He closed his appearance by striking out Bryce Harper on a fastball.
The Phillies remain ahead, 1-0, after six innings.
Zack Wheeler still dealing through five
The Mets’ first big offensive opportunity against Zack Wheeler came in the top of the fourth inning when Mark Vientos looped in a single and Brandon Nimmo walked to open the inning.
But Pete Alonso was frozen on a called strike three and Jose Iglesias grounded into a double play as the Phillies held on to their 1-0 lead.
In the fifth inning, Starling Marte was hit by a 95 mph sinker but remained in the game. Tyrone Taylor and Francisco Alvarez struck out to end the inning.
Kodai Senga done after two innings, Zack Wheeler hitless through three
After surrendering a leadoff home run to Kyle Schwarber, Kodai Senga rounded into form.
The Mets ace retired six of the next seven Phillies batters, only issuing a walk to Bryce Harper in the first inning. Senga struck out three, including two on his forkball, to complete two innings with one earned run allowed. He threw 31 pitches.
David Peterson takes the ball for the Mets to begin the bottom of the third inning.
Meanwhile, the lone baserunner for the Mets against Zack Wheeler through three innings was a two-out walk from Jesse Winker in the second inning.
Kodai Senga tagged for home run in first at-bat of return
Schwarber notched the major league record for most leadoff home runs in a season in 2024. The Phillies designated hitter did not waste any time bringing that success to the playoffs.
In his first at-bat returning from a calf strain, Kodai Senga served up a 425-foot solo home run to Schwarber as the Phillies took a 1-0 lead.
On the other side, Wheeler was dialed in early, working a 1-2-3 first inning with two strikeouts and all 11 of his pitches going for strikes.
Mets announce NLDS Game 1 lineup
Phillies announce NLDS Game 1 lineup
How to watch NLDS Game 1 between the Mets and Phillies
Time: 4:08 p.m.
Channel: Fox
