New series offers continued challenges for the struggling Mets’ bullpen

Mets’ Season Tumbles as They Fail to Hold Leads

Once again, the Mets have let a lead slip away, culminating in a frustrating 11-9 loss to the Mariners at Citi Field on Friday night. It’s becoming a pattern—this is just one of many instances this month where they struggled to keep their edge.

In this game, the Mets’ bullpen faltered, failing to protect an advantage for the 11th time over a span of seven consecutive contests. This marks the second instance in 17 years where the team has lost leads in seven straight games, the last of which occurred during the dismal 2023 season.

Manager Carlos Mendoza addressed the team’s need for improvement post-game, saying, “We simply have to perform better. It’s essential to close out games when we’re ahead. We have the talent—there are six or seven players who can effectively secure those final outs. It’s tough right now, but we need to get things back on track.”

Highlighting the game, a two-run homer from Callowry in the third inning set the stage for the Mets’ unraveling. They had initially built a two-run lead, but as the game wore on, that advantage dwindled to just one by the seventh inning.

Ryan Healthley entered the fray, but struggled as the Mariners connected for two doubles, tying the game at 6-6. This marked the eighth lead blown by Healthley, who had also faltered in a previous game against the Braves.

By the seventh inning, the Mets found themselves trailing 10-6.

It begs the question: why is this happening repeatedly?

“It’s a question we’ve all pondered,” stated Francisco Lindor. “It’s hard to pinpoint a single issue. Everyone is trying their best to win. Right now, it feels like we’re just not syncing well. Other teams are gaining on us, and while we have great talent, we need to capitalize on that.”