3 Up, 3 Down: Mets Fail To Clinch Miami Sweep

It had all started so well for the New York Mets.

After winning the first two games of their series against the Marlins, the Mets were well on their way to what would have been an important sweep.

Instead, a lack of offense doomed this team again in a 3-2 loss on Sunday. Given the Braves also won on Sunday, New York’s failure to finish the sweep could prove costly.

And, on that note, let’s dive into the latest version of 3 Up, 3 Down …

3 UP

SHUTOUT GEM

Luis Severino has no doubt been the Mets’ best pitcher this year. Easily. And he backed that up with an all-time gem on Saturday. The righty pitched a complete game shutout, allowing just four hits and a walk with eight strikeouts. He became the first Mets pitcher since 2021 to accomplish the feat. Watching Severino stay out on the mound to complete his heroics will go down as one of the most electrifying moments of the entire year in Queens. Severino has turned back the clock in 2024 to return to the peak of his powers. And Saturday’s dominant outing may very well go down as one of the best of his career.

MVP RACE

Francisco Lindor deserves to be heavily involved in the National League MVP conversation. He just does. What the shortstop is doing right now is jaw-dropping. Entering Sunday, Lindor led the NL with a 5.9 fWAR. He ranks high in a handful of other categories since being moved to the leadoff spot in May. Lindor hit a leadoff home run in Saturday’s win, and he’s willing this team to the finish line on his own. While Shohei Ohtani is probably the NL MVP favorite, what Lindor is doing for the Mets shouldn’t be disregarded. He has kept this team afloat time and time again.

WELCOME RETURN

Starling Marte was activated from the IL for Sunday’s game, and the outfielder’s return proved to be a case of perfect timing. Marte went 1-for-3 with a single against the Marlins while getting the start in right field. Getting the veteran back was always crucial for the stretch run. But, with doubts now lingering over Brandon Nimmo‘s availability (more on that below), having Marte back in the lineup could take on even more importance.

3 DOWN

HOPING FOR THE BEST

Sunday proved to be a mixed day for Brandon Nimmo. The outfielder continued to break out of his slump with a go-ahead solo home run in the sixth inning. However, he was forced to leave the game due to right shoulder discomfort. Nimmo will now undergo an MRI on Monday. Losing Nimmo for any time would be a brutal blow for the Mets, who need all the help they can get from their big hitters. Therefore, it is time to cross our fingers and hope for the best.

LOST OPPORTUNITY 

With the Padres and the Diamondbacks almost unstoppable, it looks like the battle for the final Wild Card spot in the NL will be between the Braves and the Mets. Therefore, every win will count. As will every loss. Consequently, dropping the finale to the depleted Marlins was a horrible outcome for New York on Sunday. The Mets remain two games behind Atlanta, and life won’t get any easier with a do-or-die chunk of the schedule now on deck. Sunday was a huge missed opportunity. There’s just no other way to look at it.

FAMILIAR SIGHT 

Watching the bullpen implode is hardly a new phenomenon for Mets fans this year. However, that didn’t make Sunday’s ugly ending easier to swallow and digest. Reed Garrett walked three straight batters and allowed an earned run to hand the game to Miami. Garrett has given up six earned runs and five walks in his last five outings. Garretts’ struggles came after Huascar Brazobán had allowed the game-tying run to score. Again, those kind of mistakes could prove fatal comeSeptember.

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