PITTSBURGH — The New York Mets’ attempt to rally through a players-only meeting fell flat as they suffered a humiliating 12-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, completing a three-game sweep at PNC Park. The Mets, who have now lost 13 of their last 16 games, were outscored 30-4 by a Pirates team that started the weekend on pace for 100 losses.
The meeting, intended to spark a turnaround, came before Frankie Montas took the mound. Montas, in his second start since returning from the injured list, struggled significantly, allowing five runs in the first inning alone. The Pirates capitalized on Montas’ faltering performance, with Ke’Bryan Hayes and Oneil Cruz delivering crucial hits that set the tone for the game.
Manager and Players Express Frustration
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza voiced his disappointment post-game, acknowledging the team’s current struggles. “We’re all frustrated,” Mendoza said. “We’re better than that and they know that. It’s a tough stretch and we have got to be better and it starts with me. I continue to support the guys, but obviously we’re not happy about it.”
Shortstop Francisco Lindor, who has been candid about his recent performance issues, went 0-for-4 on Sunday, further contributing to the team’s woes. When asked if the term “embarrassment” was fitting for the Mets’ recent play, Lindor responded, “There is a big league team on the other side. With that being said, there’s a sense of like, yeah, we’re frustrated. We’re not winning, but at the end of the day it’s just part of the adversity we’re dealing with right now.”
Comparisons to Past Struggles
Jeff McNeil, who was among the players speaking during the meeting, drew parallels to the Mets’ struggles last season. “We did play so well in the first two months of the season,” McNeil noted, referring to the team’s strong 45-24 start. “We played really well and got a nice lead and kind of gave that back, so we have got to find it again.”
McNeil shared insights from the meeting, emphasizing the need for introspection and communication. “Find a way to get stuff done,” he said. “Look at what has been working and what hasn’t been and find those fields again. And talk to coaches, talk to players and figure out what you need to do to get better and help us win.”
Game Highlights and Low Points
Despite the meeting’s intentions, the Mets’ vulnerabilities were laid bare against the Pirates. Montas, struggling from the outset, allowed a two-run single to Hayes and a two-run homer to Cruz, putting the Mets in a 4-0 deficit. Tommy Pham’s subsequent home run further deepened the Mets’ troubles.
The Pirates continued to exploit the Mets’ pitching, with Henry Davis and Adam Frazier setting up an additional run in the second inning. By the time Montas exited, he had thrown 50 pitches, and the Mets were trailing 6-0.
Relievers Richard Lovelady and Dedniel Núñez provided little relief, allowing four more runs over three innings. Outfielder Travis Jankowski was called to pitch the eighth, surrendering another two runs. The Mets’ only offensive highlight was a solo home run by Luis Torrens in the fifth inning.
Looking Ahead
The Mets’ current predicament is reminiscent of previous seasons where mid-year slumps threatened their playoff aspirations. As the team looks to halt their downward spiral, Mendoza emphasized the need for collective improvement. “Whether it’s the starting pitching, offense, whether it’s the bullpen or defense, we’re not playing well,” he stated. “We’re better than that.”
With the All-Star break approaching, the Mets face a critical juncture. The team must regroup and address their shortcomings if they hope to remain competitive in the NL East. The path forward will require not only strategic adjustments but also a renewed sense of unity and determination.
