Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Starling Marte‘s best efforts were sadly not enough to rescue the Mets on what was a frustrating Saturday at Citi Field. On a day where the Braves won yet again to move to within 2.5 games of the NL East lead (the smallest margin since April 30th), the Mets scored two runs or fewer in a loss for the fourth time in five games. They also now rank 27th in batting average in the Majors with runners in scoring position since June 27th.

That sums up just how badly the offense went missing on Saturday. Although it wasn’t for a lack of effort from some as Eduardo Escobar hit his second home run in as many days and Marte had another big night at the plate.

A consistent force with the bat for much of the year, Marte attempted to set the tone from the very get-go as he got to Rangers pitcher Martin Perez early in the bottom of the first. It was a two-run blast to center field that travelled 418 feet with an exit velocity of 109.2 MPH.

Marte isn’t known for his home run prowess, given that this was his first since June 5th and his eighth of the season, but he’s proven time and time again that he can come up in the clutch. That was certainly the case in the first as his long ball gave the Mets an early lead.

However, while the pitching and the rest of the offense couldn’t take advantage of the run support, Marte continued to do his job as he collected another hit in the bottom of the fifth. With one out, Marte was able to single on a ground ball and reach first for his second hit of the day. Sadly, and as was the case for much of the day, the Mets were unable to take advantage and the Rangers were able to win the game thanks to getting hot with the long ball.

While this loss feels a lot bigger than the rest thanks to the relentless and surging Braves, Marte at least served as one positive takeaway. After all, the veteran outfielder, who finished Saturday 2-for-4 with one home run and two RBI, is having a great year both at the plate and in the field. His ability to mash consistently and put balls in play has him as a finalist for one of the two remaining outfield spots on the National League All-Star team ballot. Overall, the 33-year-old certainly hasn’t disappointed in his first year in Queens.