Alonso swings the bat, history is being made: Just 17 more swings to become a legend!

In a highly anticipated Japan vs. Japan showdown under the Sunday night lights, Shohei Ohtani got the fireworks started early for the Los Angeles Dodgers with a leadoff home run. But it was Kodai Senga and the New York Mets who had the final say, securing a 3-1 victory and taking the weekend series 2-1 at Citi Field.

The win pushed the Mets to 32-21, matching the Dodgers’ record and showing that New York is ready to compete with the best in the league, including last year’s National League Champions.

Pete Alonso Responds with Firepower

Following Ohtani’s solo blast, Pete Alonso wasted no time answering back. In the bottom of the first, Alonso crushed a two-run homer into the left field seats, his 10th of the season and first in 16 games. It snapped a 65-at-bat homerless streak — the longest of his career — and came at a crucial moment.

“Just really happy I was able to put us out front and respond back,” said Alonso. “When you get scored on, always do the best you can to respond back.”

Alonso’s homer gave the Mets an early 2-1 lead, a cushion they would not surrender thanks to a gritty performance from Senga and a lights-out bullpen.

Kodai Senga Battles Through Dodgers’ Strategy

Senga (4-3) wasn’t his sharpest, but the Japanese right-hander showed resilience. In 5 1/3 innings, he threw 101 pitches, allowed five hits, four walks, and struck out five. The lone blemish was Ohtani’s homer.

The Dodgers clearly came prepared, neutralizing Senga’s signature forkball by refusing to chase it in the dirt. Senga pivoted midgame, leaning more on his fastball and cutter, which resulted in more pop-ups and soft contact.

“They’re a very clever team,” Senga admitted via translator. “They know I have this pitch, so they’re not looking for anything down… they’re just a bunch of clever hitters.”

Still, Senga managed to limit damage and frustrate one of the league’s most dangerous lineups, a testament to his composure and adaptability.

“He found a way,” said manager Carlos Mendoza. “That goes to show you how good he is.”

Defensive Magic: Taylor and Torrens Turn Momentum

A key turning point came in the third inning. Will Smith lofted a fly ball into shallow right-center, and Tyrone Taylor sprinted to make the grab. Mookie Betts tried to tag up from third, but Taylor unleashed a perfect throw to Luis Torrens at home plate.

Initially ruled safe, the Mets challenged the call. Replay showed Torrens applying a textbook tag and the call was overturned.

“Wow, what a throw,” Alonso said.
“Awesome,” added Senga.
“It stopped their momentum,” Taylor explained. “That was sick.”

The highlight-reel double play helped shift momentum firmly to New York’s side and allowed Senga to escape the inning with minimal damage.

Capitalizing on Dodgers’ Mistakes

In the second inning, the Mets added another run after Max Muncy bobbled a routine grounder, allowing Juan Soto to reach safely. Alonso then punished the Dodgers, turning an Landon Knack hanging curveball into his two-run blast.

Later, the Mets added an insurance run in the third, exploiting a botched double play by the Dodgers to go up 3-1. Although the Mets didn’t collect a ton of hits, they took advantage of every opportunity and played near-flawless defense behind their pitching staff.

Bullpen Shines in Lockdown Mode

After Senga exited in the sixth, Mendoza deployed a masterful mix of relievers. Ryne Stanek, Max Kranick, and Reed Garrett combined to shut the door on the Dodgers, with Garrett earning his first save of the season by stranding a runner in the ninth.

The bullpen’s precision and command stood in stark contrast to the Dodgers’ missed chances, proving to be the difference-maker in the late innings.

A Message Sent to the National League

With the Mets claiming the series against the defending World Series champions, it’s a clear sign that Carlos Mendoza’s message is sinking in.

“The Dodgers are great,” Mendoza said. “But the Mets are pretty good too.”

The team showed no fear, even when facing a lineup featuring stars like Ohtani, Betts, and Freddie Freeman. Instead, the Mets played disciplined, energetic baseball, emphasizing execution and resilience.

Looking Ahead: Dodgers Rematch on the Horizon

The Mets and Dodgers will square off again in a week, this time for a four-game series in Los Angeles. While sweeping or winning on the West Coast would turn heads, Alonso reminded fans and media that real statements are made in October.

“It’s good, but it’s the regular season,” Alonso said. “Every game counts the same, no matter who we play.”

Still, for a Mets team trying to prove its legitimacy, beating the Dodgers in May — and doing it with heart, hustle, and stellar pitching — is a major morale booster.

Final Thoughts

The showdown between Shohei Ohtani and Kodai Senga drew headlines, but it was the Mets’ collective grit, Alonso’s big bat, and Taylor’s cannon arm that sealed the deal.

The Mets are quietly building momentum, proving they can not only hang with the elite — they can beat them head-to-head. With the team firing on all cylinders, New York may have more than just a strong regular season in its sights.