The Mets went to Washington, D.C., hoping to build some late-season momentum against the last-place Nationals. They left in shambles, losing two of three, which culminated in an embarrassing 9-3 loss in the series rubber match on Thursday.

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Once again, the Mets got off to a promising start. Francisco Lindor homered to lead off the game, Starling Marte hit a solo shot, and Hayden Senger had a sac fly to put the Mets up 3-0 by the bottom of the fourth. Starter Sean Manaea followed suit early, holding the Nats scoreless through three innings while striking out seven.

But a strong start for Manaea and the lineup quickly turned to disaster, and the same could be said about the Mets’ season. Manaea couldn’t complete five innings, allowing three runs in the fifth to surrender the lead before being pulled. Mets batters had just one hit, and no runs, after the fourth inning, and were again shut down by the worst bullpen in the National League.

The Mets bullpen was just as ineffective. Deadline acquisition Tyler Rogers allowed a run on three hits in his inning of work. Ryne Stanek was rocked for four runs on two walks and three hits, including a James Wood three-run homer, putting the game out of reach. Only Brooks Raley had a clean sheet.

Carlos Mendoza was asked about what was driving the Mets’ struggles and responded, “A lot of different parts, but it starts with our starters, starting pitching. They set the tone. When they go, the whole team pretty much goes.”

The brutal series loss was another nail in what will be a fast-closing coffin for the Mets’ season if they don’t figure it out soon. After losing 16 of its last 21 games, New York is now seven games back of the Phillies for the division and just a half-game ahead of the Reds for the final Wild Card spot.

“It ain’t late, but it ain’t early either,” said Juan Soto about where the Mets stand with 35 games to go.

Player of the Game

Lindor was one of the few bright spots in an all-around horrific Mets performance, going 3-for-5 with the leadoff homer and two singles.

Up Next

The Mets head to Atlanta, with rookie Nolan McLean (1–0, 0.00 ERA) matching up against Braves lefty Joey Wentz (4–3, 4.72 ERA). McLean will be making his second major league start following a strong debut against the Mariners in which he allowed no runs and struck out eight over 5 1/3 innings. First pitch is 7:15 p.m. ET and the game will air on Apple TV+.