Mets manager Carlos Mendoza doesn’t feel his team is playing “tight,” despite their playoff chances dwindling. Instead, he believes Saturday’s 6-0 loss was more a credit to the Brewers, who utilized a bullpen day to virtually shut down New York’s bats.

So much for rising up and forcibly claiming a National League wild-card berth. The opportunity for October baseball is still there for the Mets, but what could have been a statement weekend and relatively easy path to the playoffs has turned into a stressful slog.