Mets use huge fifth inning to roll past Brewers in Game 1 of NL Wild Card Series

· New York Post

MILWAUKEE — The joy ride is still going, so step in front of the Mets at your own risk.

Any concerns that manager Carlos Mendoza’s crew might be flat after an emotional postseason-clinching victory and quick turnaround to begin the playoffs were quickly quashed Tuesday.

The Mets resembled the rested team and the Brewers, following a day off, were maybe in need of a nap.

J.D. Martinez rips a two-run single in the fifth inning of the Mets’ 8-4 win over the Brewers on Oct. 1, 2024. Jason Szenes / New York Post

Forget the long ball.

The Mets played pass the baton — as they had during a wild eighth inning Monday in the first game of their doubleheader in Atlanta — and methodically carved up the Brewers in an 8-4 victory in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series at American Family Field.

Jose Iglesias celebrates after beating out an RBI infield single in the fifth inning of the Mets’ win. Jason Szenes / New York Post

The Mets have two chances to win one more game in this series and advance to the NLDS to face the Phillies.

A five-run outburst in the fifth that had some semblance to the six-run eighth that gave the Mets the lead Monday was the catalyst.

Luis Severino, who allowed four runs in six innings, picked up the win for the Mets. Jason Szenes / New York Post

Only this time they didn’t need to come from behind in the ninth on a Francisco Lindor home run.

Luis Severino, a playoff warhorse from his Yankees tenure, gave the Mets what they needed with six solid innings in which he allowed four runs, one unearned, on eight hits and two walks with three strikeouts.

Jesse Winker rips a two-run triple in the second inning of the Mets’ win. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

The right-hander was bloodied in the first inning but recovered and departed with the Mets ahead by four runs.

Jose Butto gave the Mets two perfect innings with three strikeouts behind Severino before Ryne Stanek worked a scoreless ninth.