Mets drop from first as losing streak reaches 7: ‘This is not good’

PHILADELPHIA — The sting of a seventh straight loss lingered in a quiet New York Mets clubhouse as Francisco Lindor tried to explain a poor stretch and his role navigating the ugly streak as a team leader.

Lindor, the star shortstop who doubles as something of a de facto captain, typically offers appropriate perspective for good times and bad.

The most obvious example happened last year when Lindor called a players meeting with the Mets’ season on the brink. Things were different back then, in late May 2024. The Mets were below .500. The alarm bells went off early. They had to — a season needed saving.

After falling 10-2 to the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night, Lindor indicated the Mets aren’t quite there this time. But the Phillies claimed first place in the National League East from the Mets for the first time since May 30. And the Mets matched their longest losing streak since they lost seven in a row June 2-9, 2023.

“It’s gotta happen organically,” Lindor said. “We all have a sense of urgency. We’re all trying to do whatever it takes to win.”