Baseball history holds many teams that have faced multiple six-game losing streaks in a single season, and now the Mets seem determined to join that unfortunate group. After Pete Alonso’s record-setting home run on Saturday night was quickly overshadowed, the Mets fell into a frustrating 7-4 defeat against the red-hot Brewers at American Family Field. This loss was largely due to defensive mistakes and bullpen struggles, with some players making costly errors early in the game.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza expressed his frustration, saying, “We keep making mistakes, especially against a team like this. Giving extra outs or bases means they make you pay, and that’s exactly what happened today. It’s just not enough.” Francisco Lindor was responsible for a crucial early error, mishandling a high chopper with two outs to load the bases and allow two runs to score. He finished the game 0-for-5 with three strikeouts batting leadoff.
Despite leading by a run going into the seventh inning, the Mets couldn’t hold on as the Brewers capitalized on key opportunities. With the game tied 4-4 and two outs, Ronnie Mauricio failed to make a pivotal out, allowing the go-ahead run to score. Then relief pitcher Ryan Healey seemed to cause confusion by a pitch clock violation, which kept the at-bat alive for William Contreras, who smashed a two-run homer into the left field bullpen. This sequence gave the Brewers a lead they would not relinquish, and the Mets couldn’t mount a comeback.
Lindor candidly reflected, “I should have just played my game. I take pride in my defense, but I have to improve and be there for my teammates.” Despite the tough loss, the Mets still control their postseason destiny, holding a 2.5-game lead for the third NL wildcard spot, though they trail the Phillies by 4.5 games in the NL East.
The Mets have now suffered a seven-game losing streak, matching their previous worst stretch from mid-June. This sweep by the Brewers has intensified concerns about the team’s performance. Mendoza added, “They know we’re better, but we just aren’t getting the job done. We have a lot of talent, and I keep pushing and supporting these guys. We have to turn this around.”
Fan Take: This losing streak is a crucial moment for Mets fans, highlighting the fragility of playoff hopes even for talented teams. How the Mets respond could shape the intensity of the NL Wild Card race and set the tone for the postseason excitement in baseball this year.
