Sharpened Kodai Senga Ghost Fork looked great despite NY Mets loss

The New York Mets continued their series against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park and lost 4-2 on Tuesday evening. However, starting pitcher Kodai Senga had a solid game in his first regular season start since July 26, 2024. What proved to be the main highlight of his outing was his sharp-looking ghost fork pitch.

Kodai Senga's ghost fork looked sharp in Mets loss to Marlins

The 32-year-old Japanese right-hander pitched five innings, allowing four runs on three hits with one walk and eight strikeouts. Six of those strikeouts were from the ghost fork, which has been a key to his success on the mound and something he struggled with during the 2024 postseason.

It wasn't a good start in the first inning of Tuesday's game for Senga, as he began the game allowing a double to the Marlins shortstop Xavier Edwards, followed by a two-run home run to left-fielder Kyle Stowers. He was clearly having difficulty maintaining his control and command of his pitches. Senga would then step up his performance by using the ghost fork more often, which significantly helped him get through the second inning by striking out two consecutive hitters. He also struck out the side in the third inning.

In a post-game interview, Senga mentioned that part of why he was able to perform decently had to do with catcher Luis Torrens doing a good job using the adjustments that were made.

Based on how Senga performed today using the ghost fork, there is plenty of reason for optimism that he can be as successful as he was in 2023, where he became an All-Star that season. Tuesday's outing wasn't like the shortened one he had when he pitched in the 2024 NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. In Game 1, he only recorded four outs and allowed three runs. The Mets would end up losing that game 9-0.

Also, Senga relying on the ghost fork in his start on Tuesday showed that he can use that pitch frequently and effectively.

It will be worth watching to see how Senga can continue to utilize the ghost fork moving forward.