Another Late Inning Meltdown Seals Mets Fate

Mets Collapse Again, Blow Key Game Against Marlins

Another Late-Inning Meltdown Seals Mets' Fate

Frustrated Buck Showalter: 'We've Got an Uphill Battle'

NEW YORK, NY - The New York Mets suffered another crushing defeat on Friday night, blowing a late lead to the Miami Marlins and putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy.

The Mets held a 3-1 lead heading into the eighth inning but allowed the Marlins to score three runs off reliever Drew Smith. The Marlins took the lead for good in the ninth inning when Avisail Garcia hit a two-run home run off closer Edwin Diaz.

The loss was the Mets' fourth in a row and dropped them to 80-70 on the season. They now trail the Atlanta Braves by two games in the NL East and are tied with the Milwaukee Brewers for the second wild card spot.

Buck Showalter Expresses Frustration

After the game, Mets manager Buck Showalter expressed his frustration with his team's performance.

"We've got an uphill battle," Showalter said. "We're not playing well enough to win games. We're not making the plays we need to make, and we're not getting the hits when we need them.

Showalter also criticized his team's bullpen, which has struggled mightily in recent weeks.

"Our bullpen has not been good enough," Showalter said. "We need to get some guys to step up and start throwing strikes.

Mets' Playoff Hopes Hang in the Balance

With just 12 games remaining in the regular season, the Mets' playoff hopes are hanging in the balance.

The Mets need to win at least 9 of their remaining games to have a chance at winning the NL East. They also need to hope that the Braves lose some games down the stretch.

The Mets' next game is on Saturday night against the Marlins. They will need to win that game to avoid falling further behind in the standings.

Key Stats:

• The Mets have lost four games in a row.
• The Mets are now 80-70 on the season.
• The Mets trail the Braves by two games in the NL East.
• The Mets are tied with the Brewers for the second wild card spot.
• The Mets' bullpen has a 5.00 ERA in their last 10 games.