Mets Kodai Senga showing signs of success as late-inning reliever

Almost nothing has gone as planned for the Mets this season, which is how they ended up with Kodai Senga entering Friday’s game in the top of the ninth, trying to close out a win over Washington as Michael Jackson’s ”Beat It” blared over the Citi Field sound system.The Mets right-hander, whose first three short-inning relief appearances came on the road, picked up the save with a scoreless inning in a 4-1 victory over the Nationals.Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.

It was Senga’s fourth straight scoreless appearance as well as his second save.With Devin Williams on the injured list due to a strained shoulder, interim manager Andy Green said Senga would get plenty of work out of the bullpen down the stretch.“He’s done a good job,’’ Green said.“He’s attacked hitters [and] filled up the strike zone.

He’ll continue to pitch in leverage situations.”That could be in the eighth inning as well, depending on matchups, according to Green.And Senga is doing his best to embrace the new role, which came after he repeatedly flopped as a starter following his standout rookie season.“It’s easier to prepare when you know you’re going in later in the game,’’ Senga said through an interpreter.“You’re always physically and mentally prepared.”One part of working as a reliever Senga has yet to do is throw on back-to-back days.“I think I’m well prepared for it,’’ Senga said.No one was prepared for the song choice, though, as the stadium darkened and the 1980s hit came on, with Senga running in from the bullpen with a three-run lead.Senga said he chose it because he “heard it for the first time in a while and thought ‘That’s a great song.’ ”Green approved of the choice and also was impressed again by Senga’s approach.“I don’t see an ounce of fear,’’ Green said.

“I see somebody attack the situation.That’s what y...