The NY Mets are getting games off on the wrong foot with a concerning first-inning stat contributing to their 4-8 record in the month of May.
The Mets have a losing record in 2023 as of May 13 and it's not hard to figure out one big reason why: They're godawful in the first inning.
In each of the last five games, New York has given up a first inning run while scoring none themselves. The streak extended on Saturday as the Mets let the Nationals take a 1-0 first-inning lead before a rain delay.
And that's not even the worst of it. The stats will take fans deeper into the abyss.
NY Mets first inning stats are a trip to depressionville
In 13 games so far this May, NY has held the opposing team scoreless in the first inning just twice. They have been outscored 20-5 in the first inning. Is it any wonder the team is 4-8 for the month with one game still unsettled?
Mets pitchers have allowed the most first-inning runs in MLB this season, catching up to tie the Reds on Sunday at 36.
Kodai Senga's first-inning ERA of 6.43 this season is the best of New York's starters. That's a problem.
First-inning runs allowed aren't the end-all, be-all in baseball. There's just little debate that they make life a whole lot more difficult since you end up playing catch up as a team.
And it's not like the Mets are making up for it by piling on the runs early or late. They went into Sunday ranking last in MLB in first inning runs and 24th in overall runs.
So basically, it's all pretty dire for New York right now.
The positive spin is that it's still early and their current struggles may just be a phase. At least, that's what Mets fans can hope.
