The Mets' offense vanished in a 7-1 loss to the Braves on June 23, 2025. Paul Blackburn struggled in his debut while Pete Alonso went hitless. Read more.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Well, that's not how you want to start a crucial series. The Mets returned to Citi Field on Monday only to have the door slammed shut by the Atlanta Braves, falling 7-1 in a game that felt frustratingly familiar. Hopes of turning a corner were dashed as the offense continued its disappearing act, wasting a beautiful night for baseball and putting an immediate damper on the homestand.
In his last 18 starts, Jeff McNeil was hitting .258/.319/.515 with five home runs and 11 RBI.
Making his first start for the Mets, Paul Blackburn had a night he'll want to forget. The Braves jumped on him early and often, highlighted by long balls from Austin Riley and Matt Olson. Blackburn's final line (0-1, 6.92 ERA) tells the story of a pitcher who just didn't have it. On the other side, Braves starter Spencer Schwellenbach looked like a seasoned ace, slicing through the Mets' lineup with ease and keeping the bats completely off-balance. It was a classic case of one team executing and the other just trying to stay afloat.
One run. That's all the Mets could muster against their rivals. The offensive woes are becoming a glaring, five-alarm fire. Pete Alonso, the man you count on to carry the load, was held hitless, a major blow in a game where a single big swing could have changed the momentum. The return of Jeff McNeil to the lineup, fresh off a hot streak that saw him post a .515 slugging percentage over 18 games, wasn't enough to provide the needed spark. With the DH spot still a revolving door between Jared Young and Starling Marte as the team awaits Mark Vientos's return, the lineup lacks a consistent, threatening presence from top to bottom.
If the present feels bleak, there's at least a bright future to dream on. A new report highlights the strength of the Mets' revitalized farm system, a testament to the work David Stearns has put in. With top-tier talent like Luisangel Acuna, Drew Gilbert, and Ryan Clifford developing rapidly, the organization is poised for a significant wave of impact players to arrive in 2025. It doesn't help win games today, but it's a crucial reminder that a sustainable plan is in place for long-term success.
Losing the first game of a series against the Braves is a tough pill to swallow, especially like this. The pressure is now squarely on the Mets to bounce back immediately. The pitching needs to stabilize, but more importantly, the bats have to wake up from their slumber. Another game like this tomorrow, and this promising homestand will turn into a nightmare. Here's hoping for a completely different story tomorrow night.
