Heartbreak for Mets: Ryan Helsley Delivers, But Kodai Senga’s Strong Performance Goes to Waste in Another Tough Loss

The Mets finally had a solid start, but it wasn’t enough. The offense even handed their bullpen a late lead, but things went sideways once again.

Kodai Senga and Francisco Lindor showed up, but Ryan Helsley, a key player acquired at the trade deadline, faltered. He gave up two crucial runs in the eighth inning, sealing a 4-3 loss to the Braves. This marked the Mets’ 13th defeat in 15 games, leaving Carlos Mendoza’s team struggling.

Fans showered Helsley with boos after he allowed doubles from Michael Harris and Ozzie Albies that turned the tide.

Currently, the Mets (64-57) are on a downward spiral. They’ve lost five straight series since an uplifting seven-game winning streak. Their grip on the final NL wild card spot is getting shaky at just half a game ahead of the Reds.

“It’s tough being the reason the team loses,” Helsley admitted. His performance has been lacking; he’s given up runs in four of his six games since joining the Mets.

Senga, however, pitched well, allowing just two runs over 5 ⅔ innings—the longest outing by a Mets starter in over a week. Lindor even contributed three hits and helped secure a short-lived lead in the sixth inning.

The Mets were poised to win a series for the first time since sweeping the Giants in late July, but their pattern of losing continues. Since June 12, they’ve slumped to a horrific 19-33 record, translating to a 103-loss pace.

Lindor emphasized the importance of teamwork during tough times: “We have to stay together and fight for one another.” He noted that everyone is trying their best, but it’s challenging to handle the ups and downs right now.

Helsley’s struggles stemmed from walking Marcell Ozuna with one out in the eighth. He then gave up a gapper to Harris, allowing a pinch-runner to score. Albies followed with another double that sealed the Mets’ fate.

Helsley admitted he’s struggling in his new role as a setup man, explaining, “I just haven’t been good.” Mendoza, the team manager, has faith in him: “This guy’s elite. We just need to get him back on track.”

In recent games, the Mets have blown multiple leads, showing cracks not just in pitching but also in offense. Even with contributions from players like Lindor, who reached first in the eighth, they couldn’t capitalize when it mattered.

While Senga did an admirable job on the mound, the offense struggled against Bryce Elder, who had been struggling himself with a 6.12 ERA prior to this game. The Mets only managed a solo homer from Lindor in the early innings until they finally started scoring in the sixth.

Despite briefly igniting excitement with a rally, the Mets couldn’t hold on. The atmosphere at Citi Field went from hopeful to frustrated as the crowd voiced their displeasure once again. With this ongoing struggle, the pressure is on the entire team to turn things around or face a disappointing end to the season.

As fans express their frustration online, the discussion around the Mets’ performance has been trending on social media. Many are calling for a more consistent strategy and stronger mental resilience from the players. The next few games will be crucial for the team’s trajectory, and supporters remain hopeful for a turnaround.

For updates on the Mets and their playoff chances, you can check out reliable sources like [ESPN](https://www.espn.com) for the latest news and analyses.

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