Mets 3, Cardinals 0: Good news and bad news after brilliant pitching display

kodai senga, mets

The New York Mets keep stacking wins like a well-built Jenga tower, adding another block with a 3-0 shutout over the St. Louis Cardinals — their third straight win in the series and 14th on the season.

With Kodai Senga locking things down from the hill, and Pete Alonso and Juan Soto carrying the offensive torch, the Mets looked sharp in all facets.

Senga Stays Silent — Opposing Bats, That Is

Kodai Senga didn’t just pitch — he orchestrated. Like a quiet conductor with a wicked forkball, Senga extended his scoreless streak to 19 innings, giving the Mets 5.2 innings of three-hit, four-strikeout ball.

Jul 15, 2023; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

He wasn’t overpowering, but he didn’t need to be. He worked the strike zone like a painter with a fine brush — precise, patient, and poised.

Once he exited, the bullpen took the baton and ran with it. Reed Garrett did his part, A.J. Minter danced on a tightrope in the eighth, and Edwin Díaz nailed things down like he was closing a vault.

Lindor to the Rescue

The eighth inning nearly unraveled when Minter suddenly couldn’t find the strike zone and issued three walks. But with the bases full and tension rising, Francisco Lindor made a slick defensive play that snuffed out the Cardinals’ best scoring chance.

It wasn’t flashy — just smart, instinctive baseball that speaks to why he’s the heartbeat of the infield.

Alonso Flexes, Soto Chips In

Juan Soto might not be in full flight yet, but he’s flapping those wings. His RBI single in the first inning gave the Mets an early edge, and he’s gradually heating up, nudging his OPS up to .787.

MLB: NLCS-Los Angeles Dodgers at New York Mets, pete alonso
Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Then, as if on cue, Pete Alonso reminded everyone why he’s one of the league’s most dangerous hitters. The ‘Polar Bear’ roared with an RBI double in the third and added a solo homer in the eighth, continuing his tear with a blistering 1.220 OPS.

Right now, he’s seeing beach balls at the plate.

Vientos Exits Early

The only dark cloud over the win was third baseman Mark Vientos leaving the game with a bit of groin discomfort. Manager Carlos Mendoza downplayed the issue, calling it precautionary and listing him as day-to-day.

For what it’s worth, Vientos feels very optimistic about the injury:

The Mets keep rolling — quietly building momentum, one game at a time.

Mentioned in this article:

More about:

0What do you think?Post a comment.