David Byrne famously remarked, “Same As It Ever Was” in the Talking Heads hit track “Once In A Lifetime.” While they weren’t looking for their big, beautiful house, the New York Mets displayed an offensively lackluster performance that has unfortunately been a recurring theme this season and echoes Byrne’s lyric closely.
They dropped the series finale against the Miami Marlins 2-0 on Sunday at Citi Field, marking their third consecutive defeat as the trade deadline approaches on Monday. This loss drops the Mets to 19 games under the .500 mark.
The Miami Marlins’ pitching staff held the Mets scoreless throughout the game, recording a total of seven strikeouts. Ace Sandy Alcantara pitched six innings against the Mets, racking up five of those strikeouts. Relief pitchers Michael Petersen and Tyler Zuber continued the trend by also going scoreless in their respective innings.
Robert Stock started for the Mets and delivered a surprisingly solid performance, going five innings while allowing just one run on three hits and striking out four batters. The lone run came from a home run hit by Joe Mack.
Brooks Raley, Huascar Brazoban, and Luke Weaver kept Miami scoreless until Devin Williams allowed another run in the ninth inning on a single by Xavier Edwards, bringing the score to 2-0. Francisco Alvarez made a strong play by throwing out Edwards at second base before Miami could add any further runs.
The Mets had several opportunities to break through but failed to deliver in crucial moments, finishing the game 0-for-12 with runners in scoring position and left 10 on base.
Their best chance came in the seventh inning when Luis Robert Jr. singled, and Jared Young doubled, putting runners on second and third with no outs. After the Marlins brought in reliever Michael Petersen, Marcus Semien walked to load the bases. However, Jorge Polanco and Francisco Alvarez both struck out swinging, and A.J. Ewing grounded out, ending the threat.
In the eighth inning, the Mets threatened again when Francisco Lindor hit a leadoff double to right field. Bo Bichette then flew out, and Carson Benge grounded out, moving Lindor to third with two outs. Unfortunately, the Mets came up empty once more as Robert flew out to left field, allowing Miami to maintain its lead heading into the ninth.
The Mets tried to mount a comeback in the ninth with walks by Jared Young and Francisco Alvarez, but Pete Fairbanks retired Marcus Semien, Jorge Polanco, and A.J. Ewing with ease, sealing the game for the Marlins.
Player of the Game: Robert Stock
Robert Stock made his season debut and delivered an impressive performance. He pitched five innings, allowing just one run on three hits while recording four strikeouts. Stock provided the Mets with a much-needed solid outing as they sought to fill a gap in their pitching rotation, making the most of his opportunity to return to the major league mound.
On Deck
The Mets have an off-day on Monday but will travel to Cleveland to take on the Guardians, starting a three-series road trip starting on Tuesday. Sean Manaea (2-5, 4.42 ERA) will toe the slab for the Mets, and he’ll be opposed by Joey Cantillo (8-6, 3.88 ERA) for the Guardians. First pitch is at 6:40 pm ET local time and will be broadcast on SNY and Mets Radio 880.
