The New York Mets’ postseason hopes took a serious hit Friday night as a 6-2 loss to the Miami Marlins, combined with the Cincinnati Reds’ win over the Milwaukee Brewers, knocked New York out of the National League’s final wild-card spot with just two games remaining.
Francisco Lindor homered off Sandy Alcantara in the first, and Pete Alonso doubled home Juan Soto for a quick 2-0 lead. But after that, Alcantara locked in, retiring 13 straight and limiting the Mets to just two more hits over seven-plus innings. He allowed two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out three.
Brandon Sproat breezed through the first four innings before Miami erupted in the fifth. A triple down the right-field line tied the game, and after a defensive miscue and two more hits, the Marlins surged ahead 4-2. Reliever Gregory Soto then surrendered a two-run homer to Connor Norby, stretching Miami’s lead to 6-2. Sproat exited after 4.2 innings with four runs charged on five hits.
New York had a late chance in the eighth after Alcantara departed, loading the bases with two outs, but pinch-hitter Mark Vientos popped out to strand all three runners. The Mets finished 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and left seven on base.
Brett Baty left early with side soreness, and it could be a season-ending injury, manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters after the game.
Box Score | NL Wild Card Standings
The series continues Saturday at 4:10 p.m., with Clay Holmes starting for New York against Miami’s Eury Pérez.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].