Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized
Good morning, Mets fans!
The Mets begin a three-game set with the Brewers at American Family Field today — the same ballpark where they clinched a playoff spot last year. Carlos Carrasco will take the hill for the first time this season, facing off against right-hander Freddy Peralta in the Brewers’ home opener. Carrasco is coming off a solid 2022, in which he went 15-7 with a 3.97 ERA/3.53 FIP (97 ERA+) with 152 strikeouts in 152 innings. First pitch is scheduled for 2:10 pm.
Last year, the Mets took four of their six meetings with the Brew Crew, including their first series win in Milwaukee since 2014. Coming into last year, the Mets had lost 15 of their last 16 games at American Family Field.
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Kodai Senga looked sharp in his MLB debut, holding the Marlins to just one run and three hits, walking three and striking out eight as the Mets took the series with a 5-1 win. Senga allowed the first four batters he faced to reach base, but he allowed just two baserunners after that inning. All eight of his strikeouts came on his “ghost fork,” and his fastball ranged between 95 and 99 miles per hour.
Tommy Pham batted leadoff in Sunday’s contest and was a force at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a double, a homer, and three RBIs. After the game, Pham credited the new contact lenses he got on Friday, saying he can see much better now than he did in spring training.
Three former Mets made their debuts for their new teams on Sunday. Chris Bassitt struggled badly against the Cardinals, surrendering nine runs on 10 hits, including four home runs in just 3 1/3 innings. Meanwhile, Seth Lugo was fantastic for the Padres, tossing seven innings of one-run ball and allowing just four hits, walking none with seven strikeouts. Noah Syndergaard was solid for the Dodgers, pitching six innings and allowing four hits and one run with six strikeouts.
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Madison Bumgarner was sent back to Arizona after his start on Saturday to be evaluated after he said his arm felt fatigued during his outing. Bumgarner said he feels strongly that he won’t have to miss a start, but manager Torey Lovullo said the team wants to be sure.
The Giants placed catcher Joey Bart on the injured list with a mild back strain. They activated towering righty Sean Hjelle in his place. Roberto Pérez and Blake Sabol will handle the catching duties in the meantime.
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Anthony Gabbianelli recaps the Mets’ win in their series finale against the Marlins.
Christian De Block examines Mark Canha‘s strong effort in Saturday’s win.
On This Date in Mets History
1966: The Mets sign University of Southern California star right-hander Tom Seaver to his first professional contract, which includes a $50,000 bonus. Seaver was initially selected by the Braves in the January Draft, but commissioner Spike Eckert nixed the contract because Seaver signed after the USC season began. The Mets beat out the Phillies and Indians in a lottery for Seaver’s services.
1989: The Mets bang out eight runs on 13 hits in support of Dwight Gooden as they beat the Cardinals at Shea Stadium on Opening Day, 8-4. The Mets have now won 18 of their last 20 season openers, including their last 11 in a row.
2006: Carlos Beltrán throws out José Vidro trying to stretch and single into a double to punctuate a 3-2 win over the Nationals on Opening Day at Shea Stadium. David Wright belts his first homer of the year, Tom Glavine tosses six innings of one-run ball to earn the win, and Billy Wagner locks down his first save as a Met.
2019: Jacob deGrom dominates on the mound and at the plate, cracking a solo home run and striking out 14 batters in seven shutout innings against the Marlins. Miami rallies for four runs in the ninth inning, but Edwin Díaz saves the 6-4 victory.
Birthdays: Rod Gaspar (77), Jay Bruce (36)
