Kodai Sengas solid return adds intriguing NLDS possibility

PHILADELPHIA — The Phillies saw a ghost and, if things break just so, might just see him again.Kodai Senga pitched a fascinating two innings in which he allowed one loud run but otherwise looked like himself during Saturday’s 6-2 win to begin the NLDS against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.The question will become whether Senga will continue to be stretched out — in games with an eye-popping magnitude — on the fly.After throwing 31 mostly effective pitches in a return from a calf strain in July and triceps soreness that popped up on Sept.21, Senga has emerged as an enticing possibility for the Mets.

They used Senga as a two-frame opener to get the ball to David Peterson, Reed Garrett, Phil Maton and Ryne Stanek to finish off a well-pitched victory.“This puts me in a spot where I might potentially be ready for a game in the future,” Senga said through interpreter Hiro Fujiwara.Could he pitch again in this series — perhaps on his customary five days rest on Friday, when a potential Game 5 would arise?“If they call on me, I just prepare to pitch that day,” Senga said, deferring to the Mets, who sounded impressed.Senga bounced back from an ominous beginning, serving up a leadoff bomb to Kyle Schwarber on his third pitch of the game.The Phillies slugger demolished the middle-of-the-plate fastball halfway up the second deck in right to set off a party among the sold-out crowd.“It was a regretful pitch.

I wish I could take it back,” said Senga, who had no such regrets about the other 30 he threw.He used the ghost forkball to strike out Trea Turner and J.T.Realmuto.

A sharp slider was used to get Nick Castellanos swinging.Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Please provide a valid email address.

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