If you find yourself ready to assign blame within the New York Mets organization after their failure to capitalize on a 1-1 series tie, particularly following a disappointing Game 3 loss in the NLCS to the Los Angeles Dodgers, you’re not alone. However, the roots of this predicament might trace back to decisions made by manager Carlos Mendoza before the game even commenced.
Mendoza’s lineup choices raised eyebrows, notably leaving Jesse Winker out of the designated hitter spot in favor of J.D. Martinez, while also opting to start a visibly injured Brandon Nimmo. Nimmo’s performance throughout the night suggested he was not at his best. In a game where the offense struggled to make an impact, such decisions might have significantly altered the course of the match.
Ultimately, the Mets suffered a crushing 8-0 defeat in Game 3 of the NLCS, raising the stakes for the upcoming games at Flushing as they must secure wins to avoid dire circumstances when the series shifts back to Los Angeles. Yet, beyond the managerial choices, several Mets players also warrant scrutiny for their underwhelming performances on that fateful night.
3. Francisco Lindor Missed Critical Opportunities at the Plate
Before we critique the Mets’ MVP candidate too harshly, it’s important to acknowledge that Francisco Lindor executed one of the finest defensive plays of the postseason during the fifth inning. While it may not have impacted the final score, it highlights the numerous ways this elite shortstop can positively influence a game for New York.
Regrettably, that may have been one of the few ways Lindor contributed positively to the game. His first-inning flyout was well struck, but not quite enough. In the subsequent inning, with the bases loaded and the Mets trailing 2-0, Lindor faced a crucial moment to showcase his clutch capabilities. Although he battled against Walker Buehler, he ultimately succumbed to a knuckle curve, striking out and leaving the team scoreless.
His night concluded with yet another flyout and a second strikeout.
In high-pressure situations, big-time players are expected to deliver. Lindor had the chance to seize the moment on Wednesday night but fell short. While the Mets wouldn’t have made it to the NLCS without their star shortstop, this performance was certainly not among his best.
2. Francisco Alvarez’s Struggles Impacted the Mets Both Offensively and Defensively
Given Francisco Alvarez’s lackluster postseason performance leading up to Game 3, his underwhelming contribution during the game wasn’t entirely surprising. Coming into the matchup with a disappointing 5-for-32 batting record and ten strikeouts in the playoffs, expectations were understandably low. However, his inability to even make contact was disappointing, as he struck out prior to Lindor with the bases loaded in the second inning and failed to perform in his subsequent at-bats as well.
Yet, his most significant blunder came not at the plate but behind it. In the second inning, after a leadoff walk issued by Severino to Max Muncy, Teoscar Hernandez hit a weak grounder right in front of the plate. Instead of taking the easy out, Alvarez attempted to throw out Muncy at second base, resulting in a slightly off-target throw that left both runners safe. This miscalculation allowed the Dodgers to capitalize and score two early runs.
In playoff baseball, minor mistakes can often escalate into larger issues. It’s hard not to see Alvarez’s decision as a catalyst that put Severino and the Mets in a precarious position, leading to further complications as the game progressed.
1. Reed Garrett’s Performance Sealed the Mets’ Fate in Game 3
While it was Tylor Megill who surrendered a colossal home run to Shohei Ohtani, effectively sealing Game 3’s outcome, Reed Garrett’s entry into the game initially kept the Mets within reach. Garrett came into the fifth inning with two outs and two runners on base, managing to strike out Teoscar Hernandez. However, his subsequent inning proved to be detrimental.
In the top of the sixth, despite getting Gavin Lux to pop out and Will Smith to line out, Garrett’s pitch placement suggested impending trouble. When Tommy Edman hit a single, it brought up postseason standout Kiké Hernandez, who poses a significantly greater threat than during the regular season. Garrett made a critical error by hanging a splitter high in the zone, which Hernandez crushed for a two-run home run, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 4-0.
On a night when the Mets’ offense seemed lifeless, Garrett’s role as a reliable bullpen presence was essential to keep the game within reach. Instead, his struggles altered the game’s trajectory, and the Mets never managed to recover.
