Mets have had an inability to close out series all season

For Mets fans, the season has become playing out the string – but there were missed chances for momentum if they only took advantage of opportunities.

For Mets fans, the season has become playing out the string and looking forward to watching prospects Amed Rosario and Dominic Smith play in 2017, and dream about what could be for 2018.

But the Mets were their own worse enemy this season when they had a chance to sweep teams and build some sort of momentum. The lack of a killer instinct has led the Mets to a poor record and looking ahead to 2018.

Yes, the Mets have had 20 different players on the disabled list this year.

Yes, the Mets lost their star pitcher and closer for nearly the entire season as part of those injuries.

Yes, their captain hasn’t played a game all season.

But with all those challenges, the Mets have had a chance to build on momentum and have winning streaks established.

Let’s look at the numbers. The Amazin’s have played nine 3-game series (so far) this season where they have won the first two games with a chance to sweep.

Their record in those nine close-out games is 2-7.

In those seven closeout opportunities that they lost, the Mets have been outscored 71-22.

Let that sink in for a minute.

In games where the Mets have a chance to close out a team, sweep them, and go into their next series with at the very least a 3-game winning streak, they have lost those games by an average score of 8 (7.8) to 2 (2.4).

Let us dive a little deeper. Take the game in early April against arch rivals the Washington Nationals. On April 30, if they beat the Nationals and swept that game, they would have led to a four-game win streak and winning nine of the next eleven games. That’s how impactful one game can be.

There is a lack of a killer instinct in this team.

At the end of the season, the team will probably say goodbye to their manager Terry Collins (who is on the last year of his contract), and players such as Curtis Granderson and Jay Bruce could also be gone. So the identity of the team will change. But what also needs to change is the ability to gain that killer instinct, close out a series, and build momentum.

Next: Mets leaning toward picking up option on Cabrera

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