Luis Severino alongside the New York Mets had their nine-game winning streak halted, which had established their position in talks about the postseason, was brought to a close on Sunday as they suffered a 3-1 loss to the Cincinnati Reds.
Severino shared with the media, expressing his thoughts, “At this moment, we’re not concerned with which team is emerging victorious or which team is facing defeat.”
Since May 30, the Mets have been leading the league with a record of 56-32. Their nine-game victory streak marks their lengthiest one since a similar run in April 2018.
Luis Severino indicates Mets’ focus
“Currently, our primary focus should be to secure series victories. Even during periods where our playoff contention was uncertain, our focus was solely on emerging victorious. By maintaining this approach, concentrating on our team objectives and not being concerned about the actions of our competitors, I am confident we will excel,” Severino added.
Following the Mets’ loss, the Atlanta Braves clinched a 4-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays, drawing level with New York for the National League wildcard position. With 19 games remaining for both teams, they are set to clash in a crucial three-game series at Truist Park from September 24-26.
Severino was striving to defend a one-run lead when he eventually conceded the only run of the game in the seventh inning.
Phil Maton, who has been consistent since his transfer from Tampa Bay prior to the trade deadline, allowed two runs in the ninth inning.
Alexis Diaz of Cincinnati sealed the victory with a save in the ninth. However, the Mets’ offense encountered difficulties, managing just one run in the sixth inning through a two-out RBI single by Starling Marte.
A subdued evening for the New York Mets
The top five batters in the lineup went 0-for-16, obtaining three walks and enduring five strikeouts, against newcomer right-hander Julian Aguiar and five relievers. Meanwhile, Severino showcased another solid performance, conceding just one run in 6 2/3 innings.
Maton entered the game during the ninth inning deadlock and immediately hit Spencer Steer with a pitch. Ty France then followed with an infield hit that could have been a double to left if not for a diving stop by Mark Vientos, who delivered his second defensive gem of the game.
A ground ball to second by Jake Fraley moved the runners to second and third for Santiago Espinal.
With the infield playing in, Espinal propelled the Reds ahead with a two-run double to left field. The Mets were unable to counter in the bottom half of the inning.
New York faced struggles throughout the game, encountering Aguiar in just his fifth major league start. Despite conceding eight runs in his previous 6 2/3 innings across two outings, he blanked the Mets for 4 2/3 innings on Sunday.
Brandon Nimmo nearly propelled the Mets into the lead in the third inning; however, for the second consecutive game, his high fly ball went past the right-field foul pole and was deemed foul.
Severino stumbled in the seventh inning, influenced by some soft hits. Following Espinal’s strikeout, he allowed Noelvi Marte to bring in the Reds’ inaugural run with a blooper to right field, leading to the end of Severino’s outing.
Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, who witnessed the conclusion of his career-high 16-game hitting streak the day before, was hitless in four at-bats and witnessed the end of his streak of reaching base in 35 consecutive games. This marked the longest single-season streak in the team’s history and sits third overall behind Nimmo’s 36-game streak in 2019-20 and John Olerud’s 47-game streak in 1998-99.
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