Kodai Senga Sends 3-Word Shohei Ohtani Message After Dodgers' Loss to Mets

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated May 25, 2025 11:49 PM ET

The New York Mets completed an impressive series victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday, taking two of three games from the defending World Series champions. This 2024 NLCS rematch started with a 13-inning marathon that went to the Dodgers. Responding with consecutive wins, New York took the series.

Sunday's game featured an exciting Japanese matchup between Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga and Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani. Getting the better of Senga in the first inning, Ohtani crushed a 411-foot solo home run to right center field that ended up accounting for LA's only run of the ballgame.

Senga ended up going 5.1 innings, surrendering five hits and just the one earned run while striking out five hitters. Speaking with reporters after the game he was asked about facing Ohtani, and had a clear message.

"It's not fun," he said through an interpreter.

Asked if he enjoys facing Shohei Ohtani in competition, Kodai Senga laughed.

"It's not fun," Senga said through an interpreter.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) May 26, 2025

On the season, Senga is now 5-3 with a fantastic 1.46 ERA. He has helped lead a Mets pitching staff that ranks first in MLB with a 2.81 team ERA despite several key contributors being sidelined. Injuries to the starting rotation and bullpen have left New York needing to rely heavily on its healthy arms, with Senga being one of them.

This victory pulled New York within two games of the NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies who lost on Sunday to snap a nine-game winning streak. After taking two of three from Los Angeles, the Mets will welcome the Chicago White Sox to Citi Field for three games beginning Monday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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