The New York Mets are facing elimination in the National League Championship Series after a disappointing 10-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Mets, who trail the series 3-1, appear to have run out of gas at a crucial moment in the postseason.

The team’s rotation, which was a strength during the regular season, has faltered in the playoffs. Veterans like Jose Quintana, who has pitched over 100 innings more than he did last year, have struggled to contain the powerful Dodgers lineup. The Mets’ strategy of relying on their starters to pitch deep into games has backfired against a team with strong plate discipline like the Dodgers.

Reliever José Buttó, who has been inconsistent in the postseason, allowed two inherited runners to score in Game 4. The Mets will turn to lefty David Peterson in Game 5, hoping he can provide a spark after not starting a game since late September.

Despite the challenges they face, the Mets remain determined to fight for their season. Francisco Lindor emphasized the importance of belief and fighting for what they want. The team is hoping to add another improbable chapter to their story, which has included memorable moments like OMG and Grimace.

However, the Mets are not just struggling on the pitching side. Position players like Jose Iglesias and Francisco Alvarez have also failed to make an impact, while Brandon Nimmo is dealing with plantar fasciitis. The team has overcome challenges before, but the weight of this particular task may be too much to bear.

As the Mets prepare for Game 5, they are aware that their season is on the line. While they shouldn’t be counted out completely, their struggles in the NLCS highlight the importance of addressing their concerns and finding a way to turn things around before it’s too late.