It took a summer storm, a sky painted orange, and a few broken bats — but the New York Mets finally rediscovered their firepower in a thrilling 8–3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.

Delayed 81 minutes by weather and looking to rebound after a brutal series loss to Baltimore, the Mets delivered a dramatic, emotional victory packed with frustration, flair, and fireworks — both on the field and in the dugout.

Senga Returns with Steady Hand

All eyes were on Kodai Senga as he made his much-anticipated return after a month on the injured list. While he worked through traffic on the bases, the Japanese right-hander showcased vintage poise, scattering four hits over four shutout innings, striking out four, and lowering his ERA to 1.39.

He used his signature ghost fork to escape early trouble in the first, including a nasty strikeout of Vinnie Pasquantino, and even turned a line drive into a double play with a reflex snag and throw to third that briefly injured teammate Ronny Mauricio, who stepped on Jonathan India‘s hand during the tag.

It wasn’t flashy, but it was effective — exactly what Carlos Mendoza needed from his starter.

The Bat Break Heard Around Queens

Offensively, things didn’t come easy.

In the third inning, Luis Torrens sparked a rally with a single, and Pete Alonso worked a gritty, eight-pitch walk with the bases loaded to give New York a 1–0 lead. But when Mark Vientos struck out with the bases juiced, frustration boiled over — he snapped his bat in half over home plate, the sound echoing through Kauffman Stadium.

Little did anyone know: that wouldn’t be the last splintered bat of the night — nor the last time Vientos would stand in the spotlight.

Royals Fight Back, Then Fall Apart

After Senga exited, Alex Carrillo and the bullpen kept things calm until the seventh inning, when reliever Huascar Brazobán ran into trouble.

A two-run shot from Bobby Witt Jr. flipped the score in favor of Kansas City, giving them a 3–1 lead and threatening to spoil the Mets’ night.

But what followed was one of the Mets’ most inspiring rallies of the season.

Vientos Redeems Himself, Lindor Seals the Deal

With the bases loaded in the eighth and the Mets staring down Carlos Estévez, the same closer who surrendered a grand slam to Lindor in the 2024 NLDS, the tension was sky-high.

Estévez struck out Alonso — prompting the second bat-smashing moment of the game — this time over Alonso’s thigh. Then came Vientos’ shot at redemption.

And redeem himself he did.

The young slugger went opposite field with a bases-clearing double, putting the Mets back on top, 4–3.

“Vientos came up huge tonight,” Mendoza said postgame. “That swing changed the entire tone in our dugout.”

With new life, the Mets poured it on. In the ninth, Tyrone Taylor doubled, Brandon Nimmo walked, and Francisco Lindor smashed a three-run homer to deep right-center.

Juan Soto followed with a solo shot of his own, capping off a five-run outburst that turned a nail-biter into a statement win.

A Must-Have Win Before the Break

With Starling Marte out and Jesse Winker back on the injured list, the Mets needed more than just a win — they needed a spark. Friday’s win didn’t just end a slide; it may have reignited belief heading into the All-Star break.

For Vientos, it was more than a big hit. It was a declaration.

He’s a guy that wears his heart on his sleeve said Mendoza. “Tonight he showed what it looks like when frustration turns into fire.”