Juan Soto just hammered a three-run, game-tying or go-ahead homer for the Mets, his second such absolute clutch shot this season, and it was a *bomb*. This wasn't just any dinger, either. That swing packed a mind-blowing +74.5% Win Probability Added, which is absolutely bonkers. Only Pete Alonso's three-run walk-off back in May 2023 had a higher WPA for the Mets in a single plate appearance, pulling in a +78.4%. When Soto connects like that, the whole stadium feels it, and it was the Mets' second game-tying or go-ahead homer with their backs against the wall this season, with Tyrone Taylor hitting the other in the Subway Series earlier this year. Talk about coming through in the clutch! It's wild that three of the nine such late-game heroics since 2015 have come against the Braves.
Youthful Fire and Bullpen Strength
Speaking of clutch, young A.J. Ewing just put on a show for the ages. This dude became the youngest player in franchise history to log four hits, a home run, and a stolen base in a single game. That's a ridiculously rare combo! The last Met to even do it was Francisco Lindor in 2024. Ewing is now just the ninth Met, age 21 or younger, to even record a four-hit game, joining some absolute legends like Ed Kranepool, José Reyes, and David Wright. The kid's got game! And let's not forget the bullpen. Kodai Senga's strikeout to kick off the third inning marked the 400th strikeout for the Mets bullpen this season. That's insane production, making them the second-fastest relief group to hit that mark, only behind the White Sox 'pen.Then The Wheels Came Off, Big Time
Alright, deep breath, because this next part is rough. While there was some serious individual brilliance, the team defense took a historic nose-dive. The Mets allowed a staggering 59 runs in just a six-game span. Let that sink in, folks. That's a first in franchise history, and not the good kind of "first." It gets worse. The Mets lost a game despite scoring 12 or more runs, only the second time that has ever happened in franchise history, the other being a 13-12 loss in San Francisco back in 2022. For context, the Mets have a 200-2 record when they score 12+ runs. A 200-2 record! And they just lost one of those games. They've now allowed 14 or more runs *four* times this season, which ties them with the Nationals and A's for the most in the majors. The only other Mets teams through 92 games that allowed 14+ runs four or more times were way back in 1962 and then again in 2020. And to cap off the nightmare, they gave up 19 or more hits for the first time since getting absolutely shelled 21-3 by the Braves in 2023. Those two games make up two of only four times in Citi Field history where the Mets have surrendered 16 or more runs. And, yeah, they allowed five or more runs in multiple innings. Ouch. This week has been a total whiplash for fans, swinging from incredible individual heroics like Soto's bomb and Ewing's historic night to some truly cringe-worthy team performances on defense. It's a wild ride, and this team certainly keeps you on your toes.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.