New York Mets lose big lead late; can prove costly to great start

ByNico Doria|Apr 17, 2018, 3:30 PM EDT

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 13: Asdrubal Cabrera (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Blowing a lead late against the Nationals could be costly to the New York Mets.

After a never-before-seen home run whereBryce Harpercompletely breaks his bat,Jacob deGromperformed brilliantly for theNew York Mets. Going 7 1/3 giving up 3 runs on 6 hits, 1 walk with 12 strikeouts, deGrom was stellar.

Yet in the 8th inning, deGrom started the inning allowing 2 baserunners to reach with one out and was pulled from the game.

Then a complete collapse occurred as the Mets stellar bullpen at the start of the season came to a real breaking point.

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With runners on first and second with 1 out,Seth Lugocame in to faceHowie Kendrickand walked him on 4 straight pitches. This is a crucial situation as arguably the most feared hitter in the league was on deck. Not challenging Howie Kendrick in that situation and trying to get the second out before Harper comes up completely changed the inning.

Jerry Blevins, the Mets lefty specialist, was tasked with Harper and failed as Harper singled through the second baseman and first baseman and the late-inning rally began as he scored two on the single.

Then the fourth pitcher to enter the game in the 8th inning was A.J. Ramos. After striking outRyan Zimmerman, he proceeded to give up a single toPedro Severinoand then gives up a free run as he walks ex-MetMatt Reynoldson 4 pitches to cut the lead to 2 runs.

After that the FIFTH pitcher, yes the fifth pitcher in one inning entered asJeurys Familiacame in to stop the bleeding. He gave up a single toWilmer Difoto make it a tie game. And then the erratic bullpen continues its woes as Familia hitsMoises Sierrato make the bases loaded and then walksMichael Taylorto give up the lead.

This is such an important inning for the Mets pitching staff because they gave up 6 runs and blew a 5-run lead on basically free runs. They barely challenged any Nationals hitter as they could barely find the zone.

During this early season hot start, their bullpen was the one holding leads and shutting the door down. But in arguably one of their easier tasks since the start of the season they blow the game.

This situation is a crucial point of the Mets season. Yes, it is still very early, but this kind of collapse in a game can start doubt in the Mets staff and/or trust between the hitters and the pitchers ability to hold games. If this mindset creeps in the Mets locker room it can blow its early season prowess. And the next thing you know the Mets can go on a losing streak and their back at .500 battling for the lead in the NL East.

But this point can also show that this team can be special and can make a run this season. If they bounce back and win the series against the division rival Nationals, this Mets team can really surprise people this year.

Next: Harvey pitching his way out of the rotation

Their pitching staff can be dominant and their bullpen has shown it can shut down games. Their lineup has shown surprises this season such asBrandon Nimmo,Asdrubal CabreraandTodd Frazierproviding timely hits and depth for this lineup as each hitter is hitting over .300.

If all factors can click, and this pitching staff leads this team, the Mets can be a force. But first the Mets need to escape this early season lull that just transpired.

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