For the primary time since April 5, the New York Mets not management their postseason future. A irritating weekend sequence loss to the Washington Nationals at Citi Subject has dropped the Mets out of the playoff image with only one week left within the common season.

The Cincinnati Reds accomplished a sweep of the Chicago Cubs to maneuver even with the Mets at 80-76, however Cincinnati owns the head-to-head tiebreaker. That slim margin leaves New York on the skin wanting in after holding a playoff spot for almost six months.

Sunday’s 3-2 defeat to Washington capped a brutal stretch wherein the Mets misplaced 4 of their final 5 and back-to-back sequence to the Nationals. New York went simply 1-for-5 with runners in scoring place within the finale and stranded six runners, a development that has haunted them throughout September.

Defensive lapses additionally proved pricey. Over the three-game set, the Mets dedicated 5 errors, with Pete Alonso misplaying a ball at first base, Cedric Mullins misjudging one in middle, and Juan Soto bobbling a routine play in proper. These errors underscored a sloppy weekend that appeared uncharacteristic for a staff that has spent many of the season regular within the standings.

Saturday night time’s 5-3 extra-inning loss looms giant. With the sport tied 3-3 within the eleventh, Tyler Rogers confronted Nationals rookie Daylen Lile, who drove a ball deep to left-center. Mullins appeared to have an opportunity, however it sailed over his head, ricocheted towards proper area, and become a two-run inside-the-park homer. Statcast later confirmed the wind knocked the ball again about 10 ft, maintaining it in play. What might need been a typical dwelling run as an alternative become one of the crucial demoralizing performs of the Mets’ season.

Now, the margin for error is gone. The Mets have six video games remaining; three on the highway in opposition to Miami earlier than closing at Citi Subject in opposition to the Phillies. The Reds, in the meantime, head to Pittsburgh earlier than ending at dwelling in opposition to Milwaukee. On paper, each groups face difficult paths, however Cincinnati’s current surge places extra strain squarely on the Mets.

This marks a shocking reversal for a New York staff that has been in playoff place for the reason that second day of the season. For months, they constructed their id on well timed hitting, robust pitching, and defensive reliability. However over the previous week, all three pillars have faltered.

If the Mets are to claw again, they’ll want their stars to ship. Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso have carried stretches earlier than, however constant manufacturing throughout the lineup shall be important. The pitching workers, significantly the bullpen, additionally faces no room for errors.

The clock is ticking. With one week left, the Mets’ season has come right down to a combat for survival.