NEW YORK — In the Mets’ clubhouse, dealing with yet another significant defeat — this time a 10-2 loss in Game 4 of the NLCS, leaving New York one game away from elimination — Pete Alonso drew upon his experience.
“We’ve risen to the occasion all year. This situation is no different,” Alonso stated. “We need to improve. We have to take the lessons learned from these first four games and apply them moving forward.”
After enduring a rough four-game stretch, the Mets indeed have room for improvement. Among those who must elevate their performance for Friday’s Game 5 is manager Carlos Mendoza.
This season, one of Mendoza’s key strengths has been his unwavering faith in his team. This belief helped him maintain his composure during the club’s early struggles and ensured that the Mets’ subsequent resurgence never took him by surprise. When you speak to players in the clubhouse, they highlight how Mendoza’s trust in them — through their lowest moments at 0-5, 22-33, and other personal disappointments — played a vital role in getting them to this stage.
“That’s why we’ve made it to the playoffs,” said Francisco Alvarez prior to the game. “He instills confidence in every player.”
Of the Dodgers’ 30 runs this series, 14 have come against a starter the third time through or a long man out of the bullpen. (Luke Hales / Getty Images)
However, in this National League Championship Series, Mendoza’s confidence in the players who got the Mets to this point has come at the cost of the urgency needed in the postseason. There have been remarkably few high-pressure moments in a series that has been so one-sided, and yet the Mets have given away too many pivotal at-bats to struggling hitters and critical situations to an exhausted starter or a lesser-used reliever.
Thursday night serves as a prime example.
Entering the game, Mendoza and the Mets were aware that, despite Jose Quintana’s excellent performance over the last two months, the Dodgers posed a challenging matchup for the lefty. Quintana is known for throwing the fewest pitches in the strike zone among pitchers in baseball, while the Los Angeles team is the least likely in the National League to chase pitches outside the zone.
“He’s got to get ahead and maintain that lead,” Mendoza noted. “When he falls behind, like 2-0 or 3-1, he needs to come in, and they took advantage. This is a team that will capitalize on that.”
Despite his reservations, Mendoza continued to rely on Quintana, as he feared the very scenario that unfolded in the early innings. Quintana struggled to establish command within the strike zone, allowing the Dodgers to capitalize with walks and favorable counts. In the third inning, their two run-scoring hits against the left-hander came from Tommy Edman’s double in a 2-0 count and Kiké Hernández’s single in a 3-1 count.
Trailing by a run, Mendoza sent Quintana back to face the bottom of the Los Angeles lineup in the fourth inning. He even allowed Quintana to face Shohei Ohtani for a third time, despite the fact that Ohtani had launched the only strike he saw from Quintana for a home run to start the game. Another walk, Quintana’s fourth, loaded the bases for Mookie Betts.
Even more concerning than keeping Quintana in against Ohtani was the decision to bring in José Buttó from the bullpen first. After Buttó managed to get the last five outs in the Game 1 rout, Mendoza recognized that the right-hander had fallen down the bullpen pecking order. Buttó entered the game on Thursday having allowed five runs in his previous three outings, yet he was chosen over more effective pitchers like Ryne Stanek or David Peterson, with Mendoza hoping Buttó could induce a groundball.
Unfortunately for the Mets, Buttó allowed a two-run double to Betts, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 5-2.
In sharp contrast, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has effectively utilized his top relief pitchers throughout this postseason. Instead of saving them for the later stages of the game, Roberts has opted to employ his best relievers against the top hitters in the opposing lineup. This strategy is evident in why Michael Kopech pitched the fifth inning of Game 3 and why Evan Phillips and Blake Treinen were prepared for the top of the order twice during Game 4.
Meanwhile, the Mets refrained from using Peterson in those critical moments because they are conserving him for a start in Game 5. After being an asset out of the New York bullpen in the first two series, the Mets have restricted his usage this time due to their initial choice to start Kodai Senga in Game 1. New York used Peterson for 40 pitches that day, knowing they would require him for multiple innings in Game 5, which led them to forgo using him in important situations early in the last two nights.
(Had the Mets started Senga in Game 2, they would not only have granted the right-hander his usual extra day of rest between starts but would also have given Peterson a more viable opportunity to pitch in Game 4, following their most vulnerable starter, Quintana.)
It’s worth emphasizing that the Mets have been outscored 30-9 in this series. Even the best efforts of Bobby Valentine wouldn’t be enough to overcome such a significant deficit single-handedly, and Mendoza has not contributed to the 31 walks the Mets have issued in four games.
However, in the postseason, a manager’s role shifts. The key moments are no longer concentrated on the hours leading to the first pitch, where cultivating belief and confidence in the players is crucial. Now, the focus is on optimizing the team’s performance on a pitch-by-pitch basis, and Mendoza has struggled to do that as effectively as his counterpart has throughout these four games.
Out of the 30 runs scored by the Dodgers in this series, 14 have come against a starter for the third time through the lineup or a long reliever from the bullpen.
Of course, the series isn’t over, and the confidence Mendoza has built throughout the season still resonates within a Mets clubhouse that has overcome difficult odds before. However, to achieve one more miraculous comeback, the Mets will need to blend that belief with an increased sense of urgency.
(Photo of Carlos Mendoza pulling Jose Quintana: Luke Hales / Getty Images)
After Lopsided Loss, Mets Look to Learn and Adapt as NLCS Elimination Looms
Understanding the Current Situation
The New York Mets find themselves at a critical juncture in the National League Championship Series (NLCS), facing elimination after a lopsided loss. The stakes are high, and the pressure is mounting as they look to learn from their past mistakes and adapt their strategy. In this article, we delve into the Mets’ current challenges, their potential for growth, and their strategies for survival in the postseason.
Analyzing the Lopsided Loss
The recent defeat against their NLCS rivals highlighted several key issues that the Mets must address if they hope to turn the tide in this series. A comprehensive analysis reveals the following critical areas of concern:
- Pitching Woes: The starting pitcher struggled to maintain composure, leading to early runs by the opponent.
- Defensive Lapses: Key errors in the field resulted in extended innings, putting additional pressure on the bullpen.
- Offensive Slump: The batting lineup failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities, leaving runners stranded on base.
Key Stats from the Game
| Statistical Category | Mets | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| Runs Scored | 2 | 8 |
| Errors | 3 | 0 |
| Hits | 6 | 12 |
| Left on Base | 9 | 5 |
Learning from Defeat: The Importance of Adaptation
In the world of sports, the ability to learn from defeat is crucial. For the Mets, acknowledging their weaknesses and adapting their strategy will be vital to overcoming the challenges posed by their opponents. Here are some practical tips to help the Mets enhance their performance:
1. Strengthening Pitching Strategy
The Mets’ coaching staff should consider the following strategies to bolster their pitching efforts:
- Utilize Bullpen Effectively: Given recent performance issues from starters, a fresh bullpen approach can provide more stability.
- Analyze Opponent Batting Styles: Understanding the opponent’s tendencies will help in making strategic pitching decisions.
- Establish Clear Game Plans: Each pitcher should have a clear strategy tailored to the opposing lineup.
2. Enhancing Defensive Skills
Defensive errors can be game-changing. Here are ways the Mets can strengthen their defense:
- Drills and Practice: Regular defensive drills focusing on fielding and throwing accuracy will reduce errors.
- Communication: Emphasizing verbal calls on the field can prevent misplays and improve teamwork.
- Positioning: Reviewing player positioning based on the batter can lead to improved play.
3. Offensive Adjustments
The Mets need to revitalize their offense to stay competitive in the NLCS. Here are some approaches they can consider:
- Focus on Baserunning: Aggressive baserunning can create scoring opportunities and pressure the defense.
- Practice Situational Hitting: Teaching players to adapt their hitting approach based on game situations will drive better results.
- Strengthen Lineup Depth: Utilizing the entire batting order effectively will keep the pressure on the opposing pitcher.
Case Study: Teams That Overcame Adversity
History offers numerous examples of teams that have faced elimination yet managed to adapt and ultimately succeed. A notable case is the 2004 Boston Red Sox, who famously overcame a 3-0 series deficit against the New York Yankees. Examining their strategies provides valuable insights:
- Mindset Shift: The Red Sox adopted a “one game at a time” mentality, focusing on each game individually instead of the series score.
- Adjustments in Play: They made strategic changes to their lineup and pitching rotations, which proved crucial in their success.
- Team Unity: The Red Sox fostered a strong sense of camaraderie, which helped them stay resilient in the face of adversity.
First-Hand Experience: Players’ Perspectives
Players understand the emotional and mental toll of facing elimination. Here are some insights from Mets players on the importance of adapting:
“Every game is a new opportunity. We need to analyze what went wrong and not dwell on the past. We know we have the talent to turn this around, and that starts with learning from our mistakes.” – Mets Player
“It’s about coming together as a team. We can’t afford to point fingers; we need to focus on the collective effort to push through.” – Mets Player
Conclusion
As the New York Mets face elimination in the NLCS, their ability to learn from their lopsided loss and adapt their strategies will be paramount. By addressing pitching woes, enhancing defensive skills, and revitalizing their offense, the Mets can turn the tide in their favor. With determination and a clear game plan, they have the potential to not only survive but thrive in this high-stakes environment.
