The New York Mets lost for the first time in the Grimace era.
New York’s impressive seven-game winning streak was ended Wednesday night by the Texas Rangers.
The Mets were defeated 5-3 at Globe Life Field after tallying just 5 hits on the night.
It was their first loss since a 4-2 loss to the Miami Marlins on June 11.
Grimace, a giant purple mascot for the fast-food chain McDonald’s, threw out the ceremonial first pitch against the Marlins on June 12.
The Mets had a seven-game winning streak, by far their best streak of a disappointing season.
It was also the organization’s most successful streak since 2022.
Over the period, Mets hitters averaged .314, hit 13 home runs and enjoyed a +30 run differential.
Fans bought into the “Grimace era” hype, with t-shirts and memes dedicating the streak to Citi Field’s new hero.
The run came to an end on Wednesday when the Mets failed to rally in the 9th against the Rangers.
But despite the loss, the mood was upbeat among a rejuvenated fan base.
“What a run. I’ve had the most fun watching baseball in two years. I love this fan base. I love Grimace. Enjoy the day off and come back strong with the Wrigley boys. We’re back,” one Mets fan wrote on X.
“Do you all think the Age of Grimace is over? It’s just beginning, a new winning streak is upon us,” said another.
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened,” joked a third.
“Grimace saved our season,” declared a fourth.
Despite their poor start to the campaign, the Mets’ recent campaign has put them back in wild-card contention.
They are now just 1 game behind the St. Louis Cardinals after going 8-2 in their last 10.
Five Major MLB Rule Changes in 2024
1. The pitch clock is reduced from 20 to 18 seconds with runners on base. It will remain at 15 seconds with the bases empty.
2. When a pitching change is made, the inning clock will reset to 2:00 instead of 2:15 as happened last year.
3. Teams will only be able to visit four mounds per game in 2024, compared to five last season.
4. Defenders and defenders blocking bases will be called for obstruction.
5. The runners’ lane from home plate to first base has been widened to include the dirt between the grass and the white line.
“After what we went through, especially in the month of May, and after playing good baseball, yes, it shows we have a good team,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Wednesday.
“I never felt like we were out of that game. I think that was the feeling for everyone.”
“I love the way the guys are playing right now,” Mets slugger Brandon Nimmo added.
“I love the way they respond to adversity.
“But the guys stayed strong and fought until the end, and we went through situations where we put pressure on them and we came through. I think we’re in a really special position right now.”
For the Rangers, the defending World Series champion ended a five-game losing streak with the win.
They narrowly avoided being swept in back-to-back series and are nine games behind the AL West-leading Seattle Mariners.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story