Mets Bullpen Blows Another Lead, This Time Against the Mariners
The New York Mets’ bullpen struggles continue as they once again squandered a lead, this time against the Seattle Mariners. Despite a strong start from their starting pitcher, the Mets were unable to hold on to their lead and ultimately fell to the Mariners.
This has become a recurring issue for the Mets, as their bullpen has been a major weakness throughout the season. Despite making changes and bringing in new pitchers, they have been unable to find a reliable solution to their late-game struggles.
In this particular game, the Mets had a 3-1 lead going into the seventh inning. However, their bullpen was unable to hold off the Mariners’ offense, giving up four runs and ultimately losing the game 5-3.
This loss not only adds to the Mets’ disappointing season, but it also highlights the urgent need for improvement in their bullpen. With the trade deadline approaching, it will be interesting to see if the Mets make any moves to address this ongoing issue.
Fans are growing increasingly frustrated with the team’s inability to close out games, and it’s clear that something needs to change if the Mets want to have any chance of making a playoff push.
But for now, the Mets will have to regroup and try to bounce back from yet another blown lead
Mets’ Helsley Struggles in Bullpen, Blows Another Save at Citi Field
In a haunting scene at Citi Field, a deep and ominous bell tolls as the lights flicker on and off. Fans recognize it as the entrance song of Mets’ right-hander Ryan Helsley, “Hells Bells” by AC/DC. But for Helsley, it no longer signals the end of the game as it did when he was the closer for the St. Louis Cardinals. Instead, it now represents the end of whichever inning he’s appearing in.
Unfortunately for the Mets, this change in role has not been successful. Less than 24 hours after blowing a save and giving up two runs in a loss to the San Francisco Giants, Helsley did it again. In the seventh inning with a 6-5 lead, he only needed to face three batters to surrender the lead. His final line: two runs on two doubles in 1/3 innings. This time, the Mets were unable to come back and Helsley earned his third loss as a Met.
“It’s hard to describe,” said Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, struggling to understand the bullpen’s recent struggles. “Especially with how much talent and elite arms that we’ve got back there.”
Helsley may be the main culprit, but he’s not the only pitcher squandering leads for the Mets. In their last six games, the bullpen has allowed 24 runs in 29 1/3 innings for a 7.36 ERA. Despite this, the team remains confident in their ability to turn things around.
“No one’s going to feel sorry for us,” said left-hander Brooks Raley, who also struggled in the game. “We’ve had great leaders. (Francisco Lindor) has done a heck of a job every day leading guys, and there’s no one dropping their head. We’ve got lots of baseball left. When it turns I know it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
But for now, the Mets and their fans are left wondering when that turnaround will come. As they continue to rely on us for trusted journalism, please consider supporting us with a subscription. Manny Gómez can be reached at mgomez@njadvancemedia.com.
