In a crucial Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series, the New York Mets triumphed over the Milwaukee Brewers by a score of 8-4, thanks in large part to a key performance by Mark Vientos.
Mark Vientos With A Crucial Two-Run Single
Vientos came up big in the fifth inning with a tie-breaking two-run single, igniting a five-run streak that lifted the Mets to victory.
This victory follows a thrilling late comeback a day earlier, where the Mets secured their playoff berth by defeating the Atlanta Braves 8-7 in a rescheduling doubleheader. With the win, they are now one win away from advancing to face the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Divisional Series.
Historically, since the current postseason format was introduced in 2022, the winner of Game 1 has consistently advanced to the next round. Of the eight total series played under this format, only one has required a decisive Game 3, underscoring the importance of a good start in the playoffs.
On the other hand, the Brewers' loss adds to their troubled postseason narrative, marking their 10th loss in the last 11 playoff games. This streak is rooted in their Game 7 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2018 National League Championship Series, illustrating their ongoing challenges in high-pressure situations.
Jesse Winker, who had a rough previous season with a .199 batting average and .567 OPS with the Brewers, found redemption in this game after joining the Mets. Despite facing boos from the Milwaukee crowd, he connected on a two-run triple in the second inning, helping spark the Mets offense.
Brice Turang with Notable Performance
Meanwhile, Brice Turang had a standout performance for the Brewers, batting 3-4 at the plate. In addition, 20-year-old Jackson Chourio made history as the youngest player to record two hits in a playoff debut, also contributing a run-producing single in the fourth inning.
The Mets showed remarkable resilience throughout the game, bouncing back every time the Brewers took the lead. They scored three runs in the second inning and responded decisively to the Brewers' 4-3 lead in the fifth with a critical five-run streak.
This comeback was facilitated by a series of key moments, including the action of Jose Iglesias, who laid down a bunt at first base, allowing Tyrone Taylor to score from second base, followed by Vientos' two-run single that extended their lead. J.D. Martinez then added to the score with another two-run single after replacing Winker.
However, the Brewers bullpen struggled significantly after a solid start by Freddy Peralta, who had retired nine consecutive batters before being relieved. Manager Pat Murphy turned to his bullpen, which boasted the second-best ERA in the major leagues. major leagues this season, but the relievers failed.
Joel Payamps allowed crucial hits, including a misjudged fly by Chourio that set the stage for Tyrone Taylor's double. Aaron Ashby, who entered the game later, failed to retire any of the five batters he faced, further compounding the Brewers' woes.
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Closing of the Game
Remarkably, Starling Marte nearly added extra bases during the game with a deep fly ball that Chourio caught at the left field wall. However, Chourio's error on a subsequent high fly, which fell off his hand, contributed to the Mets' run in the fifth inning.
After Chourio's run-producing single in the fourth, the Brewers were unable to generate any more offense, as Mets pitchers retired the last 17 batters they faced, sealing the victory for New York.
On the mound, Mets starter Luis Severino got off to a shaky start, allowing four runs (three clean ones) and eight hits in six innings. However, he managed to keep the team in the game, paving the way for a dominant performance by the bullpen.
Jose Butt pitched two perfect innings after Severino's exit, and Ryne Stanek retired the batters in order in the ninth, showing the Mets' ability to close out the game effectively.
Looking ahead to Game 2, the Mets will send left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea to the mound. Manaea has a 12-6 record with a 3.47 ERA, although he struggled in a previous meeting against the Brewers, allowing six runs in just 3.2 innings.
The Brewers will counter with Frankie Montas, who has a 7-11 record and a 4.84 ERA, as they fight to keep their postseason hopes alive.
