- Kodai Senga extends MLB-best scoreless streak to 19 innings
- Mets bullpen completes fourth shutout with 3.1 hitless relief innings
- Pete Alonso delivers 412-foot HR and RBI double
- Cardinals fall to 1-8 road record with 10th loss in 12 games
The New York Mets continued their pitching renaissance Saturday behind Kodai Senga's masterful 5.2-inning performance. The Japanese right-hander became the first Mets starter since Jacob deGrom in 2021 to record five consecutive scoreless starts. Through his last 19 innings, Senga has allowed just 11 baserunners while striking out 23 batters.
Pete Alonso broke open a defensive battle in the third inning with a 109.6 mph RBI double before launching a 412-foot solo shot in the eighth. The polar bear now leads all MLB first basemen with 6 HRs and 19 RBIs through 21 games. This offensive surge comes as teams increasingly shift resources toward bullpen development - a strategy paying dividends for New York. Their relievers now rank third in MLB with a 2.18 ERA.
St. Louis' offensive struggles reached crisis levels as they stranded 8 runners. The Cardinals have now scored 2 runs or fewer in 7 of their last 10 games. Manager Oliver Marmol told reporters postgame: When you're facing elite pitching, you can't afford defensive lapses. Our inability to convert with RISP is becoming systemic. Regional analysis shows NL Central teams are 9-21 on the road this month compared to 14-7 home records.
The Mets' defensive alignment proved crucial in preserving the shutout. Brett Baty's fifth-inning rocket throw home from third base and Francisco Lindor's acrobatic eighth-inning play prevented two potential Cardinal runs. This win extends New York's home dominance to 7-1 at Citi Field since April 9th.
As teams increasingly prioritize bullpen specialization, the Mets' Garrett-Minter-Díaz trio demonstrates modern relief strategy. Their combined 97 mph average fastball velocity and 37% whiff rate on sliders now sets the NL standard. With Sunday's series finale featuring two sub-3.50 ERA starters, expect another pitcher's duel in Queens.