Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets (47-27) entered Sunday afternoon’s game looking for the three-game sweep at LoanDepot Park against the Miami Marlins (33-38). However, it was the Marlins who got the last laugh as they walked it off against the Mets via a home run.

Despite a superb pitching performance form David Peterson, the Mets’ bats let him down. In total, New York left seven runners stranded on base in the contest and were unable to take advantage of countless opportunities. This leading to the 3-2 defeat.

New York looked like they were going to get off to a fast start against Marlins’ starter Daniel Castano. However, New York stranded a leadoff double and succeeding walk in the first inning. Then again, in the second, New York stranded another leadoff double.

Sandwiched in between this, the Marlins were able to strike in the bottom of the first inning. Jon Berti lead off with a 70-MPH hit double down the line. And after advancing on a ground ball to third base, scored via a Garrett Cooper sacrifice fly.

Brandom Nimmo continued his strong start to the game with a 418-foot home run to deep center field. This solo shot to leadoff the third inning tied the ballgame up at one.

The Mets were not done scoring in the inning as Starling Marte reached base for the second consecutive time in the game, this time with a double right down the left-field line. Pete Alonso brought him home via a 51.4-MPH bloop double over first base that had an xBA of .100. New York led 2-1 headed to the bottom of the third inning.

After a streak of four consecutive strikeouts, Peterson got Berti to retire on a groundout. However, the subsequent hitter, Miguel Rojas, hit a solo home run to left field to tie the game back up. The score read 2-2 after three innings.

After the third inning, the game turned into a pitcher’s duel. Both Castano and Peterson went seven innings for their respective teams. Each did not allow a run after the third inning.

Overall, a terrific outing once again for David Peterson – one of his best he has turned in during his Major League career. He went a season-high seven innings and struck out a season-high nine batters. He also did not allow a walk. Overall, a terrific four-hit, two-run outing for the left-hander who has his season ERA down to 3.10.

As they did earlier, the Mets once again failed to take advantage of a terrific opportunity. And interestingly enough, it once again came back to bite them in the bottom part of the same inning. After a walk and wild pitch, J.D. Davis found himself on second base with no outs. For the second time in the game, Eduardo Escobar struck out with Davis on second and no outs. Davis was ultimately stranded at third base. The Mets’ seventh runner left on base.

Despite a lunging Luis Guillorme grab in the ninth inning, Adam Ottavino – who has pitched so tremendously this season – gave up a walk-off home run to Nick Fortes. It came with two outs in the inning. New York’s division lead shrinks to 4.5 games, possibly 4.0 with the Braves not playing until tonight against Los Angeles.

Player of the Game: David Peterson

Peterson has been one of the Mets’ unsung heroes this season. With all the injuries the Mets’ starting rotation has faced this season, Peterson has been on of the stalwarts. With his performance today, his ERA is now down to 3.10 through eight starts.

Peterson invoked a game-high 16 swing-and-misses. He had it all working as he registered a season-high eight strikeouts. Unfortunately, the performance was spoiled. Regardless, great to see Peterson’s continued effort to keep the Mets’ rotation afloat.

On Deck

The Mets will travel back to Citi Field for a two-game home stand against the Houston Astros (45-26). New York will have an off day Monday before likely facing Luis García (3.68 ERA) for the second time in the same week. Carlos Carrasco (4.42 ERA) is slated to pitch for the Mets.