The Mets ran themselves out of a potentially significant inning in Game 1 of the NLCS against the Dodgers, just when it appeared as though they may finally mount a comeback.
The Mets appeared to be in control at Dodger Stadium on Sunday night after Jose Iglesias singled after Jesse Winker delivered their first hit of the game to start the fifth inning.
Apart from Winker, who was eliminated because he paused between second and third for an unknown reason.
If he hadn’t stopped sprinting, it seems like he would have reached third base quite quickly.
Iglesias blasted a single that went deep into left-center field. However, Winker froze and was shot to death.
Tyrone Taylor was the next batter, and he flied out to right field.
It would have been a sacrifice fly, reducing the Dodgers’ lead to six runs.
It brought attention to the Mets’ dismal performance against right-hander Jack Flaherty of the Dodgers.
Jesse Winker is ensnared in a state of uncertainty pic.twitter.com/uMych5I8Jc
— October 14, 2024, FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX)
Against Flaherty, who struggled in his first postseason start, they managed just two singles. By starting Kodai Senga, the Mets took a risk that didn’t pay off.
His two first-inning runs allowed were a worrying omen going into the NLCS opener.
Since the last two games of the NLDS against the Padres, the Dodgers have now tossed 30 straight innings without giving up a run.
Of again, it might not have mattered who started this game given the way the Mets batted on Sunday night.
Going forward, they will have to improve.