Game Summary
The New York Mets took advantage of some shoddy Los Angeles Dodgers defense in a 3-1 victory Sunday night. Pete Alonso ended the longest home run drought of his career with a two-run shot, and the Mets’ pitching staff held the Dodgers to just one run.
The Game’s Turning Points
Shohei Ohtani hit a leadoff homer — hours after throwing 22 pitches of live batting practice in a significant rehab step — but that was all Los Angeles could muster against Kodai Senga and three relievers. A hustling Juan Soto contributed an RBI groundout and a difficult running catch in deep right field to help New York take two of three from the Dodgers after losing to them in six games in last year’s National League Championship Series.
Defensive Struggles
Los Angeles committed a season-high four errors, two of which led to all three Mets runs. Alonso homered in the first off hard-luck loser Landon Knack, who permitted one earned run and four hits in six innings for the NL West leaders. The slugger connected on the first pitch after third baseman Max Muncy booted a two-out grounder by Soto, who beat a rushed throw to first.
Pitching Performance
Senga struck out five and walked four in 5 1/3 innings of five-hit ball. Ryne Stanek induced an inning-ending double play in the sixth, Max Kranick pitched two perfect innings, and Reed Garrett worked a one-hit ninth for his fifth major league save and first this season.
Key Moment
Tyrone Taylor made a terrific defensive play to stop the Dodgers’ early momentum in the first. Already leading 1-0, they had runners at second and third with nobody out when Will Smith sent a flyball to center. Taylor moved toward right-center to make the catch and threw out Mookie Betts at the plate for a double play. Betts was initially ruled safe, but the call was overturned following a replay challenge.
Key Stats
Senga went 202 batters and a career-best eight games without allowing a home run until Ohtani connected. New York improved to 19-6 at home, the top mark in the majors. Soto got his seventh stolen base, matching his total last year with the Yankees.
Up Next
Dodgers RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitches Monday night in Cleveland against RHP Gavin Williams. New York RHP Clay Holmes starts Monday at home in the opener of a three-game series against Chicago White Sox RHP Adrian Houser, who pitched for the Mets last year before getting released on July 31.
Conclusion
The Mets’ victory over the Dodgers was a significant one, as they took two of three from their NL Championship Series foes from last year. The team’s pitching staff performed well, and the defense made some key plays to secure the win. The Mets will look to continue their strong play at home as they face the Chicago White Sox in their next series.
FAQs
Q: Who hit a two-run homer for the Mets in their 3-1 victory over the Dodgers?
A: Pete Alonso hit a two-run homer for the Mets.
Q: How many errors did the Dodgers commit in the game?
A: The Dodgers committed a season-high four errors.
Q: Who pitched for the Mets and struck out five in 5 1/3 innings?
A: Kodai Senga pitched for the Mets and struck out five in 5 1/3 innings.
Q: What is the Mets’ record at home this season?
A: The Mets have a 19-6 record at home this season, the top mark in the majors.
