Mets Fall Into Three-Way Tie For Third NL Wild-Card Spot

New York Loses Ground In Wild-Card Race

Bats Go Silent In Loss To Phillies

The New York Mets fell into a three-way tie for the third and final National League Wild Card spot after dropping a 4-1 decision to the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.

The Mets, who had won three straight games coming into the series, managed just six hits and one run against Phillies starter Taijuan Walker and the Philadelphia bullpen.

Pete Alonso drove in the Mets' only run with a solo homer in the fourth inning, but the Phillies answered back with two runs in the fifth and two more in the seventh to take control of the game.

The loss dropped the Mets to 82-70 on the season, even with the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres, who both won on Sunday.

The Mets will have a chance to gain ground in the Wild Card race when they begin a three-game series against the Miami Marlins on Monday.

Alonso's Homer Not Enough

Alonso's homer in the fourth inning gave the Mets a 1-0 lead, but it was the only bright spot in an otherwise disappointing offensive performance.

The Mets had a chance to add to their lead in the fifth inning when they loaded the bases with one out, but Walker got Brandon Nimmo to ground into a double play to end the threat.

The Phillies then took the lead for good in the bottom of the fifth when Nick Castellanos singled in two runs off Mets starter Carlos Carrasco.

Bullpen Fails To Hold Lead

Carrasco allowed two runs on five hits over 4 1/3 innings, but the Mets bullpen failed to hold the lead.

Trevor May allowed two runs on two hits in the seventh inning, and Drew Smith gave up a hit and a walk in the eighth inning.

The Phillies bullpen, on the other hand, was outstanding, allowing just one hit over the final four innings of the game.

Mets Must Regroup Quickly

The Mets have no time to dwell on their loss to the Phillies, as they begin a crucial three-game series against the Marlins on Monday.

The Marlins are just 63-89 on the season, but they have won three of their last four games.

The Mets need to win at least two of three games against the Marlins to stay in contention for a Wild Card berth.