After a disappointing defeat on Wednesday, the Mets seemed to have everything lined up perfectly for their Thursday game. Starter Kodai Senga delivered six innings—a notable accomplishment lately—and relievers Tyler Rogers, Ryan Healey, and Edwin Díaz were ready to secure the win. However, as has often been the case this season, things didn’t go according to plan, and the Mets once again failed to hold on to a slim lead.
Rogers gave up runs to inherited runners in the sixth inning, allowing the game to be tied. Later in the eighth, Healey gave up two runs that led to the Mets’ 4-3 loss to the Braves, marking the end of their longest winning streak this season. This defeat snapped their series win streak in Atlanta and marked the Mets’ fifth consecutive series loss overall. They’ve also dropped three straight home series, with a dismal 2-13 record in the last 15 games since July 28—worst 15-game stretch since May/June 2018.
Manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged the team’s struggles, noting, “Obviously we’re not playing well, but we have too much talent. We’re going through a tough patch right now. We know where we stand, and we need to find our way.” Francisco Lindor echoed this sentiment after the game, saying, “Some players are performing well, others aren’t. Staying united is crucial. It’s tough, but we have to fight for each other and play as a team. This is a test of our resilience.”
Lindor had a strong outing himself, going 3-for-4 with a home run, sparking the Mets’ offense, but it wasn’t enough. Despite solid pitching and timely hitting, the team failed to close out the game, with Mendoza commenting, “We had good pitching and key hits, but we just couldn’t put it all together.”
Senga, speaking through an interpreter, reflected on the team’s mood, saying, “When we lose, it’s harder, and when we win, things feel better. I think we lacked a bit in preparation, which is why we couldn’t pull ahead.”
Minor errors also contributed to the loss; a misplay by Cedric Mullins on a liner from Michael Harris II allowed the game to be tied. Better positioning might have limited Harris or stopped Ozzy Albies’ go-ahead double. Senga highlighted a crucial fastball to Albies with the score tied at 1-1 that turned the game.
These small missteps have added up during the Mets’ worst slump this season. They’ve squandered nine leads in their last six games and lost 13 of their last 15 contests. Currently, New York sits at 64-57—just seven games above .500 but dangerously close to the brink, only half a game ahead of the Reds for the final wild card spot. The Mariners, holding another wild card position, are set to visit for a critical weekend series.
Both Mendoza and players maintain that the team’s talent should allow them to rebound. However, with fewer than 40 games left, the Mets face a crucial juncture—with the season’s fate hanging in the balance.
Fan Take: This stretch is a pivotal moment not just for Mets fans but for baseball enthusiasts watching a talented team struggle under pressure. It highlights how even strong rosters need cohesion and execution to succeed, reminding fans that the sport is as much about resilience and teamwork as individual skill.
