The enchantment of the New York Mets was on full display on Tuesday night. Just a day after securing a playoff spot in dramatic fashion, the Mets capitalized on a shaky performance from the Milwaukee Brewers’ bullpen, overwhelming them in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series with an 8-4 victory.
The Brewers got off to a strong start, sending eight batters to the plate in the first inning against Mets starter Luis Severino and scoring twice, putting the Mets on the defensive early. With the Mets having played a doubleheader the previous day, a short outing from Severino would have compounded their challenges. However, Severino rebounded after the rocky first frame, delivering six innings of solid baseball despite the early setbacks.
The turning point of the game came in the fifth inning. After Brewers manager Pat Murphy opted to pull starter Freddy Peralta before he faced the Mets' lineup for a third time, the Brewers’ bullpen faltered. With the Brewers holding a slim lead, Joel Payamps entered the game but struggled to contain the Mets' offensive surge. With two outs in the inning, Jose Iglesias beat out an infield single, allowing Tyrone Taylor to score from second base, tying the game.
From there, the Mets capitalized on the Brewers' erratic pitching. Left-hander Aaron Ashby took over for Payamps, but he was unable to halt the momentum. The Mets seized the opportunity, as five consecutive players reached base: a single, another single, a walk, a single, followed by another walk. It was Mark Vientos' two-run knock that ultimately flipped the game in favor of the Mets, giving them a lead they would not relinquish.
The victory proved vital not only for the series but also for the Mets' pitching staff. Severino’s six innings were particularly crucial, as they alleviated some pressure off a bullpen that was already feeling the effects of a demanding schedule. Manager Carlos Mendoza had cautioned about the availability of key relievers like closer Edwin Díaz, who had thrown 60 pitches in the prior two days, and setup man Phil Maton, who had appeared in three straight games. With Díaz ruled out for the game, the Mets relied on Severino to provide a deep outing.
After a challenging first inning, Severino found his rhythm, allowing just two runs on eight hits while walking two and striking out three. Once the Mets provided him with the cushion of a four-run lead, he leaned heavily on his fastballs and was able to retire eight batters in a row to conclude his outing.
Looking ahead to Game 2, the Mets will turn to Sean Manaea as they seek to advance further in the postseason. The Brewers, now facing elimination, will need to regroup quickly after a disappointing performance at home. As the series unfolds, the Mets will aim to harness the momentum from this commanding victory and continue their playoff push.
As the postseason progresses, New York's postseason resilience and pitching effectiveness will be crucial factors to watch as they seek to solidify their place in baseball’s October narrative.
