Despite having one of baseball’s most talented teams, the New York Mets nevertheless run the risk of missing the playoffs. After Sunday’s 4-3 road defeat to the Atlanta Braves, they are only two games ahead of the Cincinnati Reds for the NL’s third and final Wild Card slot.
Despite having the sixth-best run differential in the NL at plus-47, the Mets have lost a lot of tight games. For instance, including Sunday’s setback, nine of their 13 August losses were by three runs or fewer.
On Sunday, SNY revealed yet another negative truth about the team.
This season, the Mets are presently 0-53 when behind after eight innings. Championship teams have to make clutch comebacks at the conclusion of games, even if it’s tough to be down heading into the ninth.
For instance, it’s no accident that New York won six of their seven games in August by a margin of four or more runs. Although it’s great to build large leads, the top teams may win in a variety of ways.
On social media, Mets supporters are not pleased with this circumstance.
The team from last year is completely different. Not a bit of magic,” one said.
“That’s terrible!” “Another said.”
“This group is awful. Another person said, “They simply roll over and die.” “2 runs against a pitcher who allowed 8 runs in his previous start and has a 6.30 ERA.” [Expletive] with this group! The [Philadelphia] Phillies will sweep them, while the [Miami] Marlins will defeat them three-quarters.
Another responded, “Same story, different game.” Bullpen collapses, and the Mets’ offense struggles to come up with anything in the closing minutes of games. However, they still believe they can run in October.
“Yes! If they ever qualify for the playoffs, they’re undoubtedly a club that will go far,” someone else said.
Mets Must Fend Off Reds as October Approaches
Last season, New York was in a similar predicament. The team advanced to the NLCS for the first time since 2015 after sneaking into the playoffs and defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in the Wild Card round and the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS.
The issue is that before the Mets can hope for another Cinderella run, they must actually qualify for the playoffs this year. The Reds have five weeks to catch up to New York, which is more than enough time to put the latter team on the bench for the postseason.
The Mets’ next game is a home series against the Phillies, who are currently in first place.
