Lifeless Mets no-show in crushing loss to Marlins to start season-defining series

MIAMI — Boos filled loanDepot Park as the Mets delivered a lifeless showing in a 6-2 loss to the Miami Marlins, opening a season-defining series. The crowd, largely Mets supporters on the road, voiced their displeasure as New York’s night spiraled away early.

Brandon Sproat was knocked around before he could complete his second turn through the order, and Gregory Soto added fuel to the fire as the Marlins pulled away. The Mets lineup could not touch Sandy Alcantara after the first inning.

The Marlins built a lead behind efficient pitching and timely hits, while the Mets managed two runs but could not sustain offense after the first inning. Alcantara settled in, and Miami’s bullpen preserved the margin down the stretch.

With the loss, the Mets' margin for error in the NL wild-card race narrows. Cincinnati Reds, who played a later game in Milwaukee, were in position to reclaim the lead in the tiebreaker for the NL's third and final wild-card spot. The Reds entered the night one game behind New York, while Arizona trailed by two and was slated to play later in San Diego.

The Mets will look to rebound quickly in the remaining games of the series, as both the standings and the playoff outlook remain unsettled, with every game carrying added significance in a tight race.