Mets’ 12-Game Skid Continues as Fans Boo Late at Citi Field

The New York Mets returned to Citi Field on Tuesday hoping to break their 11-game losing streak, but the atmosphere was far from electric. As the game progressed, it became painfully clear that the team’s struggles would extend into a twelfth consecutive loss, culminating in a 5-3 defeat against the Minnesota Twins.

In a night that saw embattled closer Devin Williams surrender a tiebreaking RBI single to Luke Keaschall in the ninth inning, the Mets now hold the dubious distinction of having the worst record in Major League Baseball at 7-16. With an opening-day payroll of $352.2 million, the team’s performance has been disappointing, marking their longest losing streak since a similar stretch in 2002.

Throughout this difficult period, the Mets have struggled at the plate, batting just .194 while being outscored 67-22. The absence of star slugger Juan Soto, who is expected to return from the injured list after missing 16 games due to a strained right calf, has weighed heavily on the team. “I’ve never been a part of something like this,” Williams reflected after the game. “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.”

As Williams walked off the mound without recording an out, he was met with boos from the sparse crowd of 32,798, a number that felt much smaller in reality on a chilly night with temperatures hovering around 46 degrees Fahrenheit. The frustration among fans was palpable, with some resorting to the time-honored tradition of donning paper bags over their heads, while others chanted “Fire Mendy!” as the bases loaded.

In a rare moment of relief, Austin Warren came in to relieve Williams and received an ovation after striking out Royce Lewis. The enthusiasm continued as he struck out Brooks Lee and Byron Buxton, momentarily lifting the spirits of the subdued crowd.

Earlier in the evening, the mood was lighter. Patrick Heaney, the only fan in section 524 just before the game, smiled at the empty seats surrounding him. “You wouldn’t be here tonight if you weren’t a Met fan,” he said, encapsulating the dedication of the few who did show up. Shortstop Francisco Lindor had expressed optimism before the game, predicting a loud atmosphere, especially after he launched a three-run homer in the third inning, giving the Mets their largest lead in weeks.

Josh Hudson, a visitor from Tennessee, believed a win would rally the fans. He sat in section 509 with a $15 ticket purchased on the secondary market, hoping to witness a turnaround. Heaney, a Long Island resident, shared his own story of attending the game alone after struggling to convince his family and friends to join him. “I bought one ticket, the cheapest one I could find, and I’m going to see if I can help them turn it around,” he said with a grin.

Manager Carlos Mendoza, in his third season, acknowledged the challenges but remained hopeful. “They’re also going to be right behind you when we flip it around,” he said. Mendoza understands the passionate nature of Mets fans and the importance of turning their fortunes around to rekindle their support. “It’s all part of it. It comes with the territory. Wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.