The New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers played each other again at Citi Field, where memories of October still linger. This time, it felt more like a redemption arc. The Mets’ hopes were shattered last year in the National League Championship Series by the strong trio of Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. Their bats had hit so many times that the Mets were left behind. This weekend, though, the song was different.

The Dodgers’ big three only got two hits in 25 at-bats in the series’ first two games. They struck out ten times and didn’t drive in a single run. The Mets’ pitching staff had turned things around, and at the center of this change was a left-handed starter who, with a salary of $4.625 million, showed a mindset and performance that money can’t buy. A pitcher who just trapped the dolphin like it was just another fish in the sea. But we all know it’s not.

The Mets’ 29-year-old lefty, David Peterson, gave a master class on the mound on Saturday night. Peterson devised a bold but effective game plan to face Shohei Ohtani. He threw 18 pitches to Shotime during four at-bats but didn’t intentionally throw his four-seam fastball. Instead, he used sinkers and off-speed pitches. He struck out Ohtani three times, two of which were outside of the strike zone. This strategy made Ohtani swing at shadows, which rarely happens to the usually firm batter.

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Astonishing, right? Wait, his reply will astonish you even more!

In the post-match interview, when asked about his mindset and strategy behind Shohei Ohtani, he said, “It’s just another hitter. It’s one of nine in their lineup. That’s how I look at everybody. Obviously, he’s a great player, and he’s done what he’s done in this game. They have a lot of great hitters over there.” These words will make perfect sense if you have seen his antics on the mound. 

It wasn’t just about Shohei Ohtani. He pitched for 7.2 innings, giving up only two runs and striking out seven batters – a career high. His last pitch of the night, his 99th, was a strikeout of Ohtani, the tying run in the eighth inning. And probably, that’s why Mendoza decided to stay with Peterson even though Edwin Díaz was ready to pitch. A sensible choice, indeed.

And well, the manager, too, is happy with Peterson’s performance. “I think he made him look human. This is a pretty impressive player. Big-time performance there, not only on Ohtani but just overall.” 

The Mets won on Saturday by 5-2. Peterson’s pitching showed how the Mets are trying to develop a competitive squad in a balanced way. And for the Queens, it was not only Peterson. Soto also finally delivered. Indeed, a win-win situation for the club.

Breaking the slump: Mets superstar delivers when it counts

This Saturday brought the good news to Queens. First, a pitcher gave a mind-blowing performance, and then the most talked-about player of the entire season finally answered his critics with the bat. Yes, talking about Juan Soto.

Soto hit a two-run double off Dodgers pitcher Tony Gonsolin with the bases loaded in the fourth inning. The ball flew 399 feet to right-center field, missing a grand slam but giving the Mets a 4-2 lead they held for a 5-2 win. Soto’s first extra-base hit since May 9 ended a long drought and was key in the game.

Before this game, Soto was under scrutiny for his troubles with runners in scoring position. He was batting .119 (5-for-42) and ranked 164th out of 167 qualifying batters. His .241 batting average, eight home runs, and 23 RBIs in 182 at-bats were disappointing to the community. Especially given the expectations, right? But against the Boys in Blue, it changed.

Soto’s clutch performance against the Dodgers helped the Mets win and may be a turning point for his season. After underperforming, he showed mental strength and devotion to the team’s success by performing well under pressure. This game could help Soto regain his form and become a vital offensive contributor for the NYM.

And on other news, if you were keeping count, Soto’s comeback ended the Dodgers’ three-game winning streak and boosted the lineup. Think this is the end of his slump?