Reeling Mets don't put up a fight in shutout loss to Reds
CINCINNATI — The “worst performances of the season” category is way too cluttered for the Mets this early, but the latest entry should be strongly considered for first place.
Facing a menagerie of relievers in a Reds bullpen game Thursday, the Mets were toothless at the plate after Kodai Senga got jumped in the first inning, barely showing a pulse in a 5-0 loss at Great American Ball Park.
The Mets, who lost a fifth straight series, were shut out for the seventh time this season, which leads MLB.
It was a seventh loss in nine games for the Mets in what was initially regarded as a weak portion of the schedule, against the Tigers, Rockies and Reds — with four games remaining this weekend in Washington.
Overall, the Mets are 4-13 since starting a West Coast trip last month with seven victories in eight games.
“It’s a challenge for us — something I feel comfortable our guys will meet,” manager Buck Showalter said. “It’s tough because we know our guys are capable of a lot better offensively. It’s frustrating for everybody, especially the players.”
Kodai Senga pitching during the Mets’ loss to the Reds on May 11, 2023. Getty Images
Only Justin Verlander’s gem on Wednesday in which the ace right-hander allowed one run over seven innings prevented the Mets from getting completely embarrassed in this series.
Among the Mets’ troubling statistics: They have been outscored 33-9 in the first inning this season.
“Yeah, we have gotten behind a lot or we just haven’t scored in the first inning — quite a lot,” Francisco Lindor said. “However, as a team we are doing everything possible to get going early. … We are trying to win innings. We just haven’t done it how consistent we want to do it.”
Reds shortstop Kevin Newman (28) is safe at second against New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Lindor’s overall assessment?
“[This slump] has happened because our pitchers have done a good job and then we haven’t backed them up,” Lindor said. “Other times we score, and we just haven’t put it together as a team.”
Senga surrendered his most runs in a start since joining the Mets.
The right-hander was removed after five innings in which he allowed five earned runs on eight hits with seven strikeouts and one walk.
Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (4) is tagged out at home by Cincinnati Reds catcher Curt Casali. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
He became the Mets’ fourth starting pitcher in their last five games — Verlander was the exception — to pitch five innings or fewer.
“I think everybody just needs to do their job and fulfill their role,” Senga said through his interpreter. “As a starter I need to go deep into the games and get the team on a good roll.”
Senga barely survived a first inning in which he threw 37 pitches and allowed four earned runs, facing nine batters.
Jonathan India doubled leading off the game for the Reds and after Senga recorded two outs, Jake Fraley delivered a bloop RBI single.
Tyler Stephenson singled on a check-swing before Nick Senzel stroked an RBI double.
Henry Ramos walked before Kyle Newman singled in two runs. With Tommy Hunter warming up in the bullpen, Senga struck out Curt Casali.
Over the next three innings Senga faced the minimum nine batters — including striking out the side in the second — but the Reds extended their lead to 5-0 in the fifth on Spencer Steer’s two-out homer.
The Mets had trouble mustering any kind of offense against an assortment of pitchers.
In the third, Francisco Alvarez and Brandon Nimmo singled in succession, but Lindor and Jeff McNeil were retired in order to end the threat.
In the fifth, Mark Canha singled and Nimmo walked, but Lindor and McNeil were again retired, ending the threat.
Alvarez was thrown out at the plate attempting to score on Lindor’s single in the seventh and the Mets went hitless from that point.
Francisco Lindor is well aware of the Mets’ offensive struggles. Getty Images
“We have got to figure it out,” Showalter said. “Guys are pushing, sometimes to a fault. Sometimes you can want something too much, but I am not ever going to pull that back.”
Source: New York Post
