3 biggest culprits in the Wild Card Series loss

2) Biggest culprits in the Wild Card Series defeat: Chris Bassitt

Chris Bassitt was as consistent as any starting pitcher the Mets turned to during the regular season. He routinely took the ball every fifth day and more often than not, shoved. He allowed three runs or fewer 22 times in his 30 starts. He went at least six innings 23 times and had two more starts where he was just one out shy of completing six frames.

I was extremely comfortable with Bassitt going up against just about any other third starter. He did not meet my lofty expectations to say the least.

Bassitt struggled mightily in Atlanta when the Mets were playing for the division. After a full week of rest, he was chosen to save the Mets season. He responded by allowing three runs in four innings of work.

It's not Bassitt's fault that the offense didn't show up, but it's hard to beat a good team when in an early hole like that.

To make matters worse, the Padres stars, Manny Machado and Juan Soto, were both hitless against the Mets right hander.

The bottom of the order gave Bassitt and the Mets fits. With a runner on first and two outs, Bassitt walked the seventh and eighth hitters in the Padres order to load the bases for their ninth hitter Austin Nola. The brother of Aaron grounded a single into left field to score two runs. Bassitt couldn't retire some below average hitters.

In the fourth, he allowed an RBI single to newly minted Met killer Trent Grisham to extend their lead.

Bassitt is a guy who doesn't walk many but he walked three in his four innings. He really struggled mainly against poor hitters in a game the Mets had to have.