Kodai Senga Earns First Profession Save After Rookie Teammate Unintentionally Offers Away Sport Ball

New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga earned the primary save of his MLB profession Monday evening, however he missed out on one small a part of the milestone: the sport ball.

Kodai Senga Loses First MLB Gameball

Senga closed the Mets’ 8-5 win over the Atlanta Braves with a scoreless ninth inning. After recording the ultimate out, rookie proper fielder Carson Benge caught Mauricio Dubón’s fly ball and tossed it into the stands as a memento for a fan.

Senga had hoped to maintain the ball as a result of it marked his first profession save. He watched as Benge threw it away and will solely snigger on the mix-up.

Senga and catcher Francisco Alvarez each tried to get Benge’s consideration, nevertheless it was already too late.

When Benge realized what had occurred, he put each arms on his head. Senga responded by doubling over with laughter. After the sport, Senga was requested whether or not Benge was in a position to get the ball again.

“I think Bengie is trying to tell me I should have just punched him out,” Senga stated by way of an interpreter, referring to the three outs he recorded within the ninth, AP reported.

Kodai Senga Shines in New Mets

The save alternative got here after Mets nearer Devin Williams was positioned on the 15-day injured checklist with a proper shoulder pressure.

Williams had been coping with shoulder fatigue, and interim supervisor Andy Green stated the crew determined to have him bear an MRI after his most up-to-date look. With Williams unavailable and the Mets holding a three-run lead, Green turned to Senga.

The right-hander struck out Matt Olson and Michael Harris II to start out the inning. He then walked Ozzie Albies earlier than getting Dubón to fly out and finish the sport. The outing was one other constructive signal for Senga, who not too long ago moved from the beginning rotation right into a reduction function. He has not allowed a run in his final three bullpen appearances.

Senga has struggled throughout a lot of the 2026 season, coming into Monday with an 8.12 ERA. Injuries and inconsistent outcomes have made his transfer to brief reduction an essential change for the Mets.

According to the NY Post, Senga stated he feels snug pitching shorter outings.

“I think it’s a great environment for myself,” he stated. “First of all, my body feels great. I’m able to go out there and perform in short innings, regardless of the situation.”

Senga initially joined the Mets earlier than the 2023 season on a $75 million, five-year contract after a profitable profession in Japan. He went 12-7 with a 2.98 ERA in his first MLB season and earned an All-Star choice.