Pete Alonso and the New York Mets bounced back in style over the weekend, taking two out of three games from the Los Angeles Dodgers and superstar Shohei Ohtani. The series win marked a much-needed turnaround after a rough stretch for New York, and emotions were running high in the clubhouse following the finale. Mets pitcher Kodai Senga opened up to the media with an honest assessment of what it’s like to face his fellow countryman.
With the series win and a pair of standout performances to close it out, the Mets tightened the gap in the National League East, inching closer to the division-leading Philadelphia Phillies. Still, New York knows it needs to string together a few more wins to mount a serious challenge for the top spot.
Alonso’s resurgence at the plate, including a home run in the series, has sparked renewed optimism among the fanbase. After a brief slump, his return to form signals a potential momentum shift, and the team appears to be regaining confidence.
Senga, however, made it clear that facing Ohtani, now donning a Dodgers uniform, brought a mix of emotions. Despite the win, the right-hander didn’t hide his admiration for the two-way phenom. When asked what it felt like to face Ohtani, Senga paused before delivering a simple, four-word response: “It’s not fun.”
Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Ohtani’s bond with Senga
Kodai Senga didn’t seem too fazed when asked about facing Ohtani, but his response hinted at a deeper connection. Their relationship dates back to their playing days in Japan, long before either set foot on an MLB diamond. More than just former teammates, they are friends, a bond that still resonates with Senga today.
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In one memorable moment during the recent series, that friendship was on full display. As Senga made his way toward Ohtani in the stadium tunnel, the Dodgers’ superstar appeared to ignore him, walking past without acknowledgment. But moments later, Ohtani doubled back with a big smile and greeted his friend properly, just a bit of playful mischief between old pals.
The lighthearted exchange went viral on social media, highlighting the mutual respect and genuine affection between the two. For Senga, it’s more than just competition, it’s facing someone he once shared a dugout with, someone who helped shape his path to the majors. That’s why the matchup carried extra weight, even if he didn’t say it outright.
Senga’s rising star in the MLB
Senga continued his stellar rookie campaign with a dominant performance against the Dodgers, solidifying his place among the league’s elite. With a 1.46 ERA over 10 starts, the Mets right-hander now leads the National League in earned run average.
He’s become a crucial piece of New York’s rotation, delivering consistency and poise every time he takes the mound. More than just numbers, Senga’s impact reflects his commitment to doing whatever it takes to lift his team.
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