At this stage, the clutch performances and situational heroics that characterized the Mets’ early playoff rounds had nearly vanished.
When Jesse Winker approached the plate in the sixth inning on Thursday as a pinch-hitter, the Mets found themselves with one last opportunity, but a previously strong advantage had devolved into a glaring shortcoming.
His weak flyout signified yet another squandered opportunity for the Mets, who failed to capitalize with runners in scoring position during their 10-2 defeat to the Dodgers in Game 4 of the NLCS. Over the course of these four games, they had a disappointing 4-for-29 performance in such situations, including an 0-for-10 result on Thursday.
Jesse Winker appeared incredulous after he flew out to right field with the bases loaded during the Mets’ Game 4 setback. Robert Sabo for NY Post
The Mets managed to get baserunners against the Los Angeles ace, Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Once again, they held opportunities to alter the course of the game — and perhaps the series — with a single swing that had the potential to redefine their unexpected postseason journey.
However, the Mets’ struggles in crucial moments jeopardized their season.
“They executed,” remarked Francisco Lindor, “and we haven’t.”
As early as the third inning, the Mets had an opportunity against Yamamoto.
Francisco Alvarez started the inning with a single, which helped the Mets load the bases with one out.
Yet, Brandon Nimmo grounded into a fielder’s choice, managing to barely beat the throw and prevent an inning-ending double play.
Jose Iglesias recorded a significant strikeout in NLCS Game 4. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Starling Marte, however, couldn’t push a second run across on the next at-bat.
Three innings later, similar troubles with runners on base re-emerged.
A single, an infield hit, and a walk loaded the bases without any outs.
Following a strikeout from Jose Iglesias, manager Carlos Mendoza turned to his two left-handed options off the bench, but Jeff McNeil flied out to center — not deep enough for Nimmo to tag up and score — and Winker followed with a weak flyout to right field, falling far short of the impressive shot he admired during Game 3 of the NLDS.
Jeff McNeil flied out to center field in a pivotal pinch-hit appearance with the bases loaded during the Mets’ Game 4 loss. Getty Images
By this point in the postseason, the Mets’ knack for delivering timely hits had become a part of their playoff persona.
They didn’t hit a home run in the NL Wild Card Series until Pete Alonso came through to save their season in Game 3.
Yet, they went an impressive 5-for-7 with runners in scoring position to secure a victory in Game 1, laying the groundwork for Alonso’s heroics two nights later.
Follow The Post’s coverage of the Mets in the postseason:
Of the Mets’ nine runs in the NLCS, six have come from home runs.
However, three of their four games have concluded without a hit while having a runner in scoring position.
They may have only nine innings remaining to find a resolution.
Pete Alonso walks back to the dugout after a strikeout. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
“I’d exclude the first game from the equation,” Nimmo stated. “In the other games, we’ve put significant pressure on them. We just haven’t managed to deliver that crucial hit, and sometimes that’s just the way it goes while they pull off their game plan effectively.”
“However, there are times when hard hits go right at defenders, and it just doesn’t pan out,” he added.
Missed Opportunities: Mets’ Struggles with Runners in Scoring Position Doom Game 4 Against Dodgers
The New York Mets faced the Los Angeles Dodgers in a pivotal Game 4 that turned into a tale of missed opportunities. Throughout the game, the Mets struggled significantly with runners in scoring position (RISP), an issue that ultimately sealed their fate. In this article, we will analyze the Mets’ performance, delve into specific statistics, and explore the implications of their inability to capitalize on scoring chances.
The Mets’ Offensive Woes
Despite having a talented lineup, the Mets encountered a significant roadblock in their offensive strategy during Game 4. The inability to drive in runs with RISP was glaring and highlighted the key areas that need improvement moving forward. Here are some critical statistics from the game:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Hits | 8 |
| Runners in Scoring Position | 1 for 10 |
| Left on Base | 9 |
These numbers illustrate a stark contrast between their ability to get on base and their failure to convert those opportunities into runs.
Key Moments That Defined the Game
Throughout the match, various critical moments exposed the Mets’ struggles with RISP. Here are a few noteworthy instances:
- First Inning Miss: After loading the bases with no outs, the Mets could only muster one run, leaving two runners stranded.
- Fourth Inning Blunder: With two runners in scoring position and one out, the Mets failed to produce a single run, failing to execute a productive at-bat.
- Late Inning Frustration: In the eighth inning, facing a tight score, the Mets had another opportunity but went down in order, with RISP again failing to provide crucial runs.
Analyzing the Players’ Performance
Player performance played a significant role in the Mets’ inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Here are some highlights and lowlights:
| Player | At-Bats | RISP Performance | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Francisco Lindor | 4 | 0 for 3 | Struggled to make contact in key situations. |
| Pete Alonso | 4 | 1 for 4 | Only RISP hit, but left multiple runners stranded. |
| Brandon Nimmo | 3 | 0 for 2 | Failed to convert opportunities. |
As reflected in the statistics, the Mets’ top players failed to deliver when it mattered most, showcasing a collective struggle that can be detrimental in high-stakes games.
Understanding RISP Struggles: Causes and Implications
Missed opportunities with RISP can stem from various factors. Understanding these can help the Mets address and improve these issues:
Psychological Pressure
High-pressure situations can lead to anxiety for players, causing them to struggle with their mechanics. The weight of the moment may lead to rushed swings and poor decision-making. Developing mental resilience can be crucial for improvement.
Pitching Matchups
Facing elite pitchers like those of the Dodgers can also contribute to RISP inefficacy. Recognizing the strength of opposing pitchers and adjusting strategies accordingly can help mitigate this issue.
Inadequate Preparation**
Without proper scouting reports and preparation for specific pitchers, hitters may struggle to adjust their approach. This can lead to an inability to read pitches effectively in critical situations.
Benefits of Improving RISP Performance
Addressing the RISP struggles can yield several benefits for the Mets:
- Increased Run Production: Greater execution with RISP will lead to more runs scored, directly improving the team’s chances of winning.
- Confidence Boost: Success in these situations can elevate player morale and confidence, aiding overall team performance.
- Strategic Flexibility: A more potent offense allows for greater flexibility in game strategy, influencing pitching decisions and defensive alignments.
Practical Tips for Improving RISP Performance
Here are some actionable strategies the Mets can employ to enhance their performance with RISP:
- Practice Situational Hitting: Engage in drills dedicated to executing hits with RISP to build muscle memory and confidence.
- Take Mental Breaks: Encourage players to focus on the process rather than the outcome to reduce anxiety in high-pressure situations.
- Film Analysis: Study past at-bats in similar situations to identify weaknesses and develop tailored strategies against opposing pitchers.
Case Studies: Teams That Overcame RISP Challenges
Teams that have historically struggled with runners in scoring position but improved through specific approaches include:
- Boston Red Sox: After a disappointing season, they focused on situational hitting drills and mental conditioning, leading to significant improvements in clutch situations.
- San Francisco Giants: Implemented a strategic approach that emphasized patience and selective hitting, allowing players to capitalize on favorable matchups during crucial innings.
First-Hand Experience: Overcoming RISP Obstacles
Players often share how individual experiences have shaped their approach to hitting with RISP. Many cite the importance of learning from failure and using it as motivation to improve. Former players like Derek Jeter have noted the value in treating each at-bat as an opportunity for growth, regardless of prior outcomes.
the Mets’ struggles with runners in scoring position during Game 4 against the Dodgers exemplify the importance of addressing key weaknesses. By focusing on psychological preparation, strategic adjustments, and refining their approach, the Mets can enhance their performance and capitalize on crucial opportunities in future games.
