The New York Mets suffered their 12th consecutive loss Tuesday, matching their worst streak since 2002 and statistically eliminating any realistic playoff hopes. The team lost 5-3 to the Minnesota Twins despite holding a three-run lead and watching their starting pitcher throw five perfect innings. No MLB team has ever reached the postseason after enduring a 12-game losing streak.
Perfect Innings Lead to Devastating Loss
The Mets appeared positioned for victory after Francisco Lindor hit a three-run home run in the third inning, giving the team its first three-run lead in over two weeks. Starting pitcher Nolan McLean delivered perfection through five innings. But the momentum collapsed entirely in the final five innings, when the Mets failed to record a single hit. Manager Carlos Mendoza summarized the team’s frustration with one word repeated twice: “It sucks. It sucks because you’re feeling good, especially with the way the game was developing.”
Devon Williams expressed bewilderment at the historic collapse. “I’ve never been a part of something like this,” Williams said. “I think we just need to get the one win out of the way, and I think everything else will take care of itself, but it’s obviously proving pretty difficult right now.” ESPN reporter Jeff Passan noted the Mets now share the worst record in Major League Baseball at 7-16.
Superstitious Fans Point to Controversial Visit
While the losing streak officially began April 7, superstitious fans have focused on an April 9 visit by socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who embraced team mascots Mr. and Mrs. Met. The team has lost 11 of its 12 games since that encounter. Some fans have dubbed the phenomenon the “Curse of the Mambino,” drawing parallels to other famous sports curses. CBS Sports noted that while the Mets’ original expansion years featured similar struggles, this streak contradicts preseason expectations of division contention.
Juan Soto Returns as Team Searches for Solutions
The Mets expect star player Juan Soto to return tomorrow, offering a potential spark to break the streak. Historical reality presents a daunting challenge: no team that has suffered a 12-game or longer losing streak has ever recovered to reach the playoffs. With 139 games remaining in the season, the Mets face an uphill battle to salvage what began as a promising campaign. The team’s inability to maintain leads and produce offense in crucial moments has become the defining characteristic of this disastrous April stretch.
