Alonso, Soto Lead Mets in 3-0 Win Over Cardinals

Saturday’s 3-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals by the New York Mets epitomized who the team is at this point. Get enough out of the starting pitching, find a way to muster up runs despite its struggles with runners on base, and let the bullpen finish the game.

Kodai Senga had a solid start against a tough Cardinals lineup, and New York got its offense because of its big stars at the number two and three spots in the lineup. New York even had some good defense in the win, including a big play by Francisco Lindor late in the game.

Juan Soto and Pete Alonso Contribute Together

When the Mets signed Soto and brought back Alonso, they envisioned games like Saturday, where both can carry the team to a win. In the third inning, Luisangel Acuña led off with a double. With two outs and Acuña still on second, Soto stepped up to the plate against Cardinals lefty Matthew Liberatore. Soto drove in Acuña with an RBI single up the middle to give the Mets an early 1-0 lead. Alonso followed up by driving a double deep into the left field gap, scoring Soto from first base. New York’s big duo gave the Mets a 2-0 lead. 

Soto would add another hit in the game and stole a base, but Alonso put the hammer down in the bottom of the 8th inning. With the Mets still up 2-0, Alonso blasted a slider from John King into the second deck in left field. It was Alonso’s 232nd home run of his career as he continues his chase for Darryl Strawberry‘s team home run record. 

Efficient Outing From Kodai Senga 

As Kodai Senga continues to get back into a groove after missing most of 2024 with injuries, it should be encouraging that Senga has pitched well to begin 2025. Senga had to battle at times in this game, and he only struck out 4, but he still gave the Mets 5 2/3 innings and only allowed 3 hits and 2 walks. Senga’s ERA is now 0.79 to begin the year, good for second in the majors.

Defense Plays A Big Role

Mets pitchers were good on this day, but they got some assistance from their defense. Mark Vientos made a tremendous leaping catch to rob Brendan Donovan of extra bases. Unfortunately, Vientos had to leave the game due to groin discomfort, and Brett Baty had to come in. Soon after Baty came in for Vientos, he threw out Thomas Sagesse at the plate to preserve the Mets’ 2-0 advantage.

Francisco Lindor, who has uncharacteristically struggled on defense to begin the season by committing 4 errors, made the play that saved the game. A.J. Minter went into pitch the 8th inning but didn’t have it as he struggled to throw strikes. He loaded the bases on three walks for Alec Burleson. Burleson grounded a ball up the middle that Lindor gloved, then spun and threw out Burleson to keep the game 2-0. Lindor’s play prevented a tie game and showed again just how good he can be on defense.

Mark Vientos Exits Game With Groin Discomfort

As mentioned, Vientos left the game with groin discomfort after making a great leaping catch. Manager Carlos Mendoza said postgame that Vientos is day-to-day and their concern is low-level.

On Deck:

The Mets will go for the sweep on Easter Sunday with Clay Holmes making the start against Sonny Gray. The game will be telecast on WPIX and broadcast on Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880 AM at 1:40 pm EDT.

 

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