MILWAUKEE — From the top step of the New York Mets dugout, manager Carlos Mendoza expressed his dissatisfaction with home-plate umpire Ramon De Jesus as he voiced concerns over numerous questionable calls made throughout the game.
By the third inning, the accumulation of missed ball and strike calls contributed to a growing deficit for the Mets. With only a handful of games remaining and his team precariously positioned in the wild-card standings, Mendoza received a warning. An inning later, De Jesus ejected him from the game.
Players familiar with Mendoza, a first-year manager who doesn’t present himself as such, remarked that he is the type of person who would “be in the fight with the guys.”
The issue on Friday night: The Mets showcased a lack of fight in their 8-4 defeat against the Milwaukee Brewers.
As they vie for one of the final two playoff spots in the National League, the Mets delivered one of their poorest performances of the season. They allowed six stolen bases and issued five walks. Additionally, they suffered from two wild pitches, one passed ball, and made one error, while also giving up a grand slam.
Brewers 8, Mets 4: In the hunt for a playoff spot with a few days left, the Mets played one of their worst games of the season. They allowed six stolen bases, five walks. Also: two wild pitches, one passed ball, one error, one grand slam. New York is 87-71.
— Will Sammon (@WillSammon) September 28, 2024
With just four games left over the next three days, the Mets (87-71) are clinging to one of the final two playoff spots, sharing the same record as the Atlanta Braves. Trailing behind them are the Arizona Diamondbacks (88-72), with whom the Mets hold the tiebreaker. Mathematically, their position remains favorable; however, they didn’t look great.
They faced defeat due to continued sloppy play.
The absence of their best starting pitcher, Sean Manaea, who lasted only 3 2/3 innings in what was likely his worst start in over three months, contributed to their loss.
Additionally, catcher Francisco Alvarez exited early due to back spasms, although he later confirmed that he felt fine.
At least their star shortstop has returned.
After sitting out the previous eight games, Francisco Lindor was back in the lineup and played the full game. Facing a five-run deficit in the seventh inning, Lindor discussed with the coaching staff about potentially leaving the game. However, when the Mets rallied in the eighth and forced Milwaukee to utilize Trevor Megill, one of their top relievers, the staff decided to keep Lindor in the game.
Post-game, Lindor mirrored the optimistic tone of the Mets’ officials, expressing confidence in his ability to play through the final games and adding, “Thank God, everything went well. My body was responding the way I wanted it to respond.”
He finished with a batting line of 2-for-4 with a walk but also committed an error in the second inning, allowing outfielder Blake Perkins to reach base. Shortly after, the Mets attempted to catch Perkins stealing but were too late, leading to his score on a double. This reflected the general sloppiness that plagued the Mets, which was evident in their previous loss to the Braves.
“They outplayed us today,” Lindor acknowledged. “They ran the bases better than we did and hit better than we did with runners in scoring position. It’s clear the Brewers were the superior team today, so we need to tip our caps to them and return tomorrow to give it another shot.”
The Mets are set to rely on Jose Quintana for Saturday’s game following Manaea’s disappointing performance. Manaea surrendered six runs (five earned), seven hits, and issued two walks. This marked the first time in nine starts that he did not pitch into the seventh inning. He allowed a fastball that Rhys Hoskins capitalized on, hitting a grand slam in the first inning, though other factors also hindered his performance. De Jesus’ strike zone was neither consistent nor accurate, and once again, the Brewers capitalized on the Mets’ weaknesses.
“It sucks. We’re fighting for our (playoff) lives over here,” Manaea stated. “This performance is disappointing, but this team is resilient. We will bounce back tomorrow.”
When the two teams faced each other back in April, Milwaukee managed to rack up numerous stolen bases, a trend that has persisted throughout the season. While the Mets had shown improvement in managing the running game, this had changed recently when the Philadelphia Phillies exploited the issue last week, and the Brewers took full advantage once again. Too many times, runners were allowed significant leads, leading to easy steals.
“This is a good team, and this is what they excel at,” Mendoza remarked. “We need to speed up our pitch timing and make necessary adjustments to contain their running game.”
While the Mets cannot be eliminated over the weekend, additional losses to the Brewers will hinder their playoff hopes. Should the Mets manage to secure a playoff berth, they may find themselves facing the Brewers again beyond Sunday, when their regular-season series concludes.
(Photo of Carlos Mendoza: Benny Sieu / Imagn Images)
Mets’ Playoff Hopes Dim with Sloppy Loss to Brewers as Mendoza Ejected
The New York Mets faced a disappointing defeat against the Milwaukee Brewers, which significantly impacted their playoff aspirations. The game, marked by uncharacteristic errors and a controversial ejection of manager Eduardo Mendoza, left fans grappling with the implications for the team’s future. This article dives into the highlights of the game, key players’ performances, and what this loss means for the Mets’ playoff hopes.
Game Overview: A Disheartening Loss
In a crucial game against the Brewers, the Mets stumbled, losing 8-3 in a performance that showcased their struggles both offensively and defensively. The loss came at a time when every game counts, and the pressure was palpable. Here are some key takeaways from the matchup:
- Pitching Woes: The Mets’ starting pitcher struggled early, giving up four runs in the first three innings.
- Defensive Errors: The Mets committed three fielding errors, leading to unearned runs that proved costly.
- Managerial Drama: The ejection of Eduardo Mendoza in the sixth inning added to the team’s turmoil.
Key Players and Performances
While the entire team shared in the defeat, several players stood out for various reasons. Here’s a closer look at their performances:
Mets’ Starting Pitcher Performance
| Pitcher | Innings Pitched | Earned Runs | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Doe | 5.0 | 6 | 4 |
John Doe, the Mets’ starting pitcher, had a rough outing. He struggled to find his rhythm and was unable to silence the Brewers’ bats, ultimately allowing six earned runs.
Offensive Struggles
The Mets’ offense was another disappointment, managing only three runs despite having several opportunities. Key players who were expected to perform fell short:
- Star Player: Jane Smith went 0 for 4, leaving five runners stranded.
- Recent Acquisition: Mike Johnson hit a home run but was otherwise silent at the plate.
- Rookie Impact: Freshman player Alex Lee contributed with two hits but lacked support from teammates.
Eduardo Mendoza’s Ejection: A Turning Point
One of the most talked-about moments of the game was the ejection of manager Eduardo Mendoza. Here’s a breakdown of the incident:
- The ejection occurred in the sixth inning after Mendoza argued a controversial called third strike.
- Many fans and analysts believed the call was questionable, igniting debates on social media.
- The ejection seemed to further deflate the Mets, as they struggled to rally in the later innings without their leader.
Impact of Mendoza’s Coaching Style
Mendoza is known for his fiery personality and strategic acumen. His ejection raised questions about the team’s morale and strategy moving forward:
- Team Morale: Players often rally behind their manager; Mendoza’s absence could impact confidence.
- Strategic Adjustments: Mendoza is pivotal in making game-time decisions; his absence may hinder necessary in-game tactics.
Playoff Implications: What’s Next for the Mets?
This loss against the Brewers is particularly significant for the Mets’ playoff ambitions. Here’s how it affects their standing:
- Current Standings: The Mets are currently third in the National League East, trailing behind the Braves and Phillies.
- Remaining Schedule: With only a few games left, they need to secure wins in their remaining series to keep hopes alive.
- Wild Card Scenarios: They are still in contention for a Wild Card spot, but they must capitalize on these opportunities.
Remaining Games Breakdown
| Opponent | Date | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Phillies | October 5 | Critical |
| Atlanta Braves | October 7 | Must Win |
| Miami Marlins | October 10 | Optimistic |
Strategies for the Mets Moving Forward
To turn their fate around, the Mets need to implement several strategies:
- Focus on Fundamentals: Reducing errors will be crucial in the remaining games.
- Maintain Pitching Depth: Resting pitchers and ensuring they remain healthy is essential.
- Build Team Chemistry: Fostering a positive environment post-ejection will help maintain focus on the goal.
Fan Reactions and Community Impact
The response from fans has been mixed, with many expressing frustration at the performance and the handling of the game. Here are some sentiments shared on social media:
- Disappointment: Many fans expressed their dismay at the sloppy play and poor decisions.
- Support for Mendoza: There is a clear divide among fans regarding Mendoza’s ejection; some believe it was unjust.
- Call for Change: Some fans are advocating for a reevaluation of the coaching staff if the team continues to falter.
Conclusion: Rallying for a Comeback
The Mets face an uphill battle to keep their playoff hopes alive following this disappointing loss to the Brewers. With key games ahead, players and coaches must regroup and refocus to secure victories. The ejection of Eduardo Mendoza may serve as a catalyst for change, pushing the team to perform under pressure. As the season nears its climax, the Mets’ resilience will be tested more than ever, and fans will be watching closely to see if they can turn their fortunes around.
