Mets waste solid Sean Manaea start as bats go silent in loss to Braves

The Mets have one more win this season than last when trailing after eight innings, but that isn’t saying much. Last year’s number was 0-70 in such instances.It was 1-31 this season entering Saturday, and even with the middle of the Mets lineup front and center for the team’s final at-bat, that wasn’t about to change.  Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.

Juan Soto doubled leading off against Raisel Iglesias, but the Mets were still left empty-handed in a 3-1 loss to the Braves at Citi Field. Soto’s shot to left field was originally ruled a homer, but got changed to a double after a replay review determined the ball caromed back into play off the top of the left-field fence.Francisco Alvarez’s double-play grounder ended it, after Mark Vientos was retired and Marcus Semien walked. The Mets received a solid performance from Sean Manaea, in his first start this season.

The left-hander, who has been used in various relief roles, pitched a season-high six innings and allowed two earned runs on four hits with six strikeouts.He threw 84 pitches. Eli White’s RBI double in the second delivered the game’s first run.

Manaea allowed a leadoff single to Matt Olson before White’s shot (he took third on the throw) brought in the run.Manaea recovered to get the next two outs without an additional run scoring.  Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! White cleared the left-field fence with two outs in the fourth to extend the Mets’ deficit to 2-0.

The homer was the third allowed by Manaea in his last three appearances. Mark Vientos stroked an RBI single in the sixth that brought in the Mets’ initial run.Bo Bichette doubled and Vi...