David Peterson stepped onto the Citi Field mound Saturday night and reminded everyone why he’s becoming a cornerstone for the Mets. Facing a Dodgers lineup stacked with firepower, the lefty didn’t just hold his own—he dominated, tossing 7.2 innings of two-run ball, scattering five hits, and punching out seven in a 5-2 Mets victory. The highlight? Fanning Shohei Ohtani three times, leaving the superstar hitless in four trips to the plate. For more on Peterson’s career stats against the Dodgers, check the sports card above.
Peterson’s postgame vibe was ice-cold. When asked about staring down Ohtani, he shrugged it off like it was just another day at the office. “He’s just another hitter,” Peterson said. “One of nine in their lineup. That’s how I look at everybody.” Sure, he gave a nod to Ohtani’s greatness, but that mindset—treating a future Hall of Famer like any other bat—is what makes Peterson so dangerous. It’s the kind of quiet swagger that’s got Mets fans dreaming of October.
The game wasn’t all smooth sailing. The Dodgers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second, capitalizing on a funky play where a pitch that looked like it clipped Dalton Rushing’s shin was called fair, letting a run cross. But Peterson didn’t flinch. He locked in, retiring 15 of the next 17 batters, his fastball and slider keeping LA’s hitters guessing. By the time he handed the ball off, he’d given the Mets’ bullpen a much-needed breather after Friday’s 13-inning gut-punch.
The Mets’ bats woke up just in time. In the fourth, with the bases juiced and two outs, Starling Marte hustled out an infield single to knot the score at 2-2. Then Juan Soto, doing Juan Soto things, smoked a two-run double to put New York ahead for good. Brett Baty, who’s been swinging a hot bat, went 3-for-3, capping his night with an RBI double in the eighth for some insurance. Edwin Díaz, the Mets’ fire-breathing closer, came in for a four-out save, striking out three and slamming the door on any Dodger comeback hopes.
This win was a big one for the Mets, especially after the sting of Friday’s marathon loss. Manager Carlos Mendoza didn’t hold back, calling Peterson’s outing a “big boy performance” that steadied a team desperate for a spark. With the series finale against the Dodgers set for Sunday, Peterson’s gem has the Mets feeling like they can go toe-to-toe with anyone. The guy’s not chasing hype—he’s just out there dealing, and that’s exactly what New York needs as they push for the postseason.
