The Mets’ weekend series against the Miami Marlins ended on a disappointing note, as they fell 3-2 in the final game at Citi Field on Sunday. Despite winning the first two games of the series and facing a depleted Marlins squad, the Mets failed to secure a sweep, leaving them at a .500 record for the homestand.

Entering the game with high expectations, the Mets needed a win to capitalize on the opportunity and gain ground in the National League wildcard race. They began the day just one game behind the Atlanta Braves for the third wildcard spot, making this loss particularly frustrating as they face a tough upcoming schedule against playoff contenders like the Orioles, Padres, and Diamondbacks.

Paul Blackburn, who had been solid since joining the Mets at the trade deadline, delivered another commendable performance. The right-hander pitched six innings, allowing just one earned run on four hits, with one walk and four strikeouts. This outing marked Blackburn’s third strong start out of four with the Mets, showcasing his ability to contribute significantly to the rotation.

However, the Mets’ offensive struggles and bullpen woes undermined Blackburn’s efforts. The team managed only one hit in nine opportunities with runners in scoring position, failing to capitalize on critical moments. Brandon Nimmo, who had recently returned from a stomach bug, homered in the sixth inning to give the Mets a 2-1 lead. This blast was his second home run of the series. Despite his efforts, Nimmo’s day was marred by right shoulder discomfort that led to his departure in the eighth inning.

The Mets’ challenges were evident in the first inning when Mark Vientos was thrown out at home plate. Vientos tagged up from second base on Pete Alonso’s long drive to center field. Although Vientos reached third base easily and received the go-ahead from coach Mike Sarbaugh, a strong throw from right fielder Jesus Sanchez and a precise relay resulted in a unique 8-9-4-2 double play, ending the inning without a run.

In the third inning, the Marlins took an early lead when Otto Lopez hit a line drive to center field. Tyrone Taylor’s failed diving attempt allowed Lopez to reach third with a leadoff triple. Nick Fortes then drove in Lopez with a sacrifice fly, giving the Marlins a 1-0 advantage.

The Mets responded in the fifth inning with Francisco Lindor’s RBI single, which tied the game 1-1. Lindor’s clutch hit came after Jesse Winker singled and Jose Iglesias walked, but Vientos struck out to leave two runners stranded.

Nimmo’s home run in the sixth inning provided a brief lead for the Mets. He crushed Valente Bellozo’s second pitch into the second deck in right field. Starling Marte, activated from the injured list before the game after a two-month absence, singled later in the inning, and Iglesias walked. However, Taylor struck out to end the threat, and the Mets could not add to their lead.

The seventh inning saw Huascar Brazoban give up the tying run. An infield single by Emmanuel Rivera put runners on the corners, and a wild pitch from Brazoban allowed the Marlins to even the score at 2-2. In the eighth inning, with two outs and runners on base, Francisco Lindor’s diving catch in left field prevented Nick Fortes from delivering a potential go-ahead single.

The game turned in the eighth inning when Derek Hill’s single against Phil Maton put the Marlins ahead 3-2. Reed Garrett struggled in relief, walking three batters and only managing to pick off Xavier Edwards from second base. Garrett’s performance further compounded the Mets’ frustrations, as they were unable to mount a comeback in the ninth inning.

In the final frame, the Mets’ last chance came with Jose Iglesias and Tyrone Taylor reaching base on successive singles. However, Jeff McNeil, Francisco Lindor, and Mark Vientos were retired in succession, sealing the Mets’ fate and their missed opportunity for a sweep.

Overall, the Mets’ inability to deliver in key situations and their bullpen’s late-game struggles cost them a crucial win. As they head into a challenging stretch of games, the Mets will need to address these issues and improve their consistency if they hope to secure a postseason berth.