Mets' Kodai Senga Struggles in NLCS Opener

Kodai Senga's struggles on the mound significantly impacted the New York Mets during Game 1 of the NL Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, resulting in a 9-0 loss. Senga, making only his third start this year, lasted just 1 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on two hits while walking four of the first eight batters he faced. His control was notably poor, with only 10 of his 30 pitches thrown for strikes, and he failed to find the strike zone effectively, leading to immediate scoring opportunities for the Dodgers. After being chased from the game in the second inning, Senga expressed disappointment in his inability to adjust, attributing his performance to mechanical errors and a lack of command. The Mets now face uncertainty regarding Senga's role moving forward in the postseason, particularly for a potential Game 5 start. Manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged that Senga did not have the necessary life in his fastball, complicating the team's plans for the rest of the series.