LOS ANGELES — In the opener of the National League Championship Series, New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga struggled significantly, managing to face only 10 batters and recording just four outs as the Los Angeles Dodgers built a 3-0 lead in the second inning. Senga’s control issues were evident throughout his performance on Sunday night, as he walked four of the first eight batters he faced, including three consecutive players within a tense 14-pitch sequence during the first inning. Out of 16 pitches thrown in that inning, only three were strikes, and he managed to hit just seven strikes out of 23 total.

The inning began poorly for Senga when he issued walks to Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Teoscar Hernández, all with one out. Max Muncy capitalized on the opportunity by delivering a two-run single that went up the middle, enabling Betts to score, along with a noticeably limping Freeman who gingerly crossed the plate, protecting his right ankle injury.

Senga’s woes continued when he threw a wild pitch in the first inning, allowing runners to advance, followed by a pitch clock violation during the second inning. His outing came to an end after he was succeeded by fellow countryman Shohei Ohtani, who contributed to the scoring by hitting an RBI single to right field that brought in Gavin Lux, who had previously walked to lead off the inning.

In total, Senga allowed three runs and two hits while only managing to throw 10 of his 30 pitches for strikes. Reed Garrett stepped in to take over pitching duties after Senga’s early exit. This performance marked Senga’s third start of the year, coming on the heels of his appearance in Game 1 of the NL Division Series against Philadelphia, where he similarly struggled, lasting only two innings and throwing 31 pitches. Notably, Senga had missed almost the first four months of the baseball season due to a right shoulder capsule strain, returning to the mound only for a single regular-season start on July 26. Following that, he was sidelined again with issues relating to a strained left calf and tightness in his right triceps.