The New York Mets took a significant step toward advancing to the National League Division Series by defeating the Milwaukee Brewers 8-4 on Tuesday in Game 1 of the National League wild-card series. Led by pivotal hits from Mark Vientos and J.D. Martinez, the Mets mounted a key fifth-inning rally to erase deficits and seize control of the game.
Vientos and Martinez Lead Fifth-Inning Charge
Mark Vientos and J.D. Martinez each delivered two-run singles during a five-run fifth inning, shifting the momentum in favor of the Mets. The inning saw New York capitalize on Brewers’ pitching changes and defensive miscues. With one out, Tyrone Taylor doubled off Milwaukee reliever Joel Payamps, who had come in for starter Freddy Peralta. Francisco Lindor drew a walk, followed by Jose Iglesias’ infield single that tied the game at 4-4.
After Aaron Ashby replaced Payamps, the Mets surged ahead when Brandon Nimmo singled to load the bases, setting up Vientos for a clutch two-run single. Pete Alonso was intentionally walked, and Martinez added another two-run single, pushing the Mets’ lead to 8-4.
This explosion marked the most runs the Mets had scored in a single playoff inning since their six-run outburst in the 2006 NLCS against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Severino Holds the Line
Luis Severino (1-0) secured the win for the Mets, battling through six innings despite giving up four runs on eight hits. His performance included three strikeouts and two walks over a 105-pitch outing. The Brewers applied early pressure, scoring two runs in the first inning, but Severino managed to settle in and limit further damage.
Milwaukee scored twice more in the fourth to regain a 4-3 lead, but Severino worked his way through the inning, keeping New York within striking distance. Relievers Jose Butto and Ryne Stanek combined for three scoreless innings, with Stanek pitching a perfect ninth to seal the victory.
Brewers Struggles Continue
For the Brewers, Freddy Peralta lasted four innings, allowing three runs on just two hits. After leaving the game with a narrow lead, Milwaukee’s bullpen was unable to contain the Mets’ offensive surge. Joel Payamps (0-1) and Aaron Ashby allowed the bulk of the damage in the fateful fifth inning.
Milwaukee’s postseason woes continued as they fell to 1-9 in playoff games since their loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 of the 2018 National League Championship Series. Last season, the Brewers were swept at home by Arizona in the wild-card series, and this year’s defeat further deepened their struggles in October.
Mets Overcome Early Deficit
The Brewers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning, thanks to consecutive hits off Severino and a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch to Rhys Hoskins. However, the Mets quickly answered in the second inning, with Vientos singling and Alonso walking. Jesse Winker, who had been hitless in his previous 15 at-bats, broke through with a two-run triple to tie the game. Starling Marte’s sacrifice fly gave the Mets a brief 3-2 lead before Milwaukee reclaimed the advantage in the fourth.
With this win, the Mets can clinch the wild-card series and move on to the NLDS with a victory on Wednesday night.
