Tuesday night started with promise for the Mets. Boston starter Walker Buehler was tossed from the game in the third inning after arguing a missed strike call to Juan Soto, giving New York early access to an already fatigued Red Sox bullpen.
Despite the opportunity, the Mets’ offense continued to falter.
Their bats remained quiet, managing only four hits and two walks. They went hitless in seven chances with runners in scoring position and grounded out 13 times, suffering their third shutout defeat of the season.
It also marked their first three-game losing streak of the year, driven largely by their offensive struggles.
“We’re definitely going through a rough patch,” manager Carlos Mendoza admitted. “We’re having trouble getting on base, and when we do, we’re not capitalizing.”
Over the past seven games, the Mets have scored just 10 runs, are 5-for-44 with runners in scoring position, and have stranded 43 runners. Their last home run came a week ago from Brett Baty.
Key players like Juan Soto (five hits), Pete Alonso (four), and Francisco Lindor (two) haven’t delivered at the top of the order. Meanwhile, Mark Vientos and Francisco Alvarez have cooled off after hot starts, and Brandon Nimmo has slumped to a .719 OPS.
Mendoza said he’s considering lineup adjustments but emphasized the need to stay persistent.
“Sometimes the breaks just don’t go your way,” Nimmo said. “Even during our 100-win season, we hit a rough stretch in September. It’s just part of the game.”
“We have to keep battling, stay positive, and turn the page,” Mendoza added. “It might sound cliché, but that’s the only way forward. We’ve got another challenge coming tomorrow.”
