Mets Pitcher David Peterson Shines in Close Win Over Reds

Over the last 35 games, the Mets have managed only five starts lasting at least six innings. All of those performances? From David Peterson.

Once again, the reliable left-hander, who has been an All-Star this season, showcased his talent in a tightly contested 3-2 win over the Reds at Citifield, providing the length and quality the team so desperately needed.

In his six innings, Peterson surrendered just one run and one walk, allowing four hits. His ERA now sits at 2.90, and remarkably, it’s 1.91 across his ten starts. Quite impressive, really.

This will certainly keep Peterson in good stead with the rest of the Mets’ rotation.

Meanwhile, Clay Holmes, struggling in his first full season, marked the last quality start by a Mets pitcher not named Peterson since June 7.

Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea have been inconsistent; in fact, Manaea has shown a particularly slow start. Frankie Montas has been unable to complete six innings in any of his starts so far.

This leaves the Mets’ bullpen strained, as starters are frequently unable to pitch deep into games, and often aren’t performing at their best.

Entering play on Sunday, the Mets’ bullpen had thrown 142²/₃ innings since June 8, and their 5.68 ERA ranks among the worst in the league, which suggests perhaps their pitching depth is an issue.

In light of this, Peterson’s contributions only become more significant.

Despite the strain on the rotation, Peterson is focused. “We try not to see it as pressure,” he noted. “Our aim is to pitch as deep as we can into each game. It’s our job, after all, to give the team a real chance to win.”

Director Carlos Mendoza reflected on the game’s beginning, remarking on Peterson’s tough first two innings, during which he tossed 43 pitches, allowing the Reds some early opportunities.

A couple of solid hits, including a single from Matt McClain and another from Elly de La Cruz, put the Mets in a bit of a bind. However, Peterson cleverly induced a double play to escape unscathed.

Despite facing adversity—loading the bases through hits and walks—Peterson managed to navigate the challenges with a sharp slider, striking out McClain and getting out of trouble.

Surviving those shaky moments seemingly fueled Peterson, as he excelled from the third inning onward.

This victory also highlighted the need for a solid bullpen effort from the likes of Huascar Brazobán, Reed Garrett, Edwin Díaz, and Ryne Stanek.

“When there’s a need in the bullpen,” Peterson stated, “I aim to pitch as deep into the game as I can, so they’re not overtaxed later on.”