SEATTLE — The New York Mets on Tuesday kept giving whoever operates the sound system at T-Mobile Park reasons to play the same circus song.Like in the third inning. Second baseman Marcus Semien failed to reel in a line drive, knocked the ball down, picked it up and then threw it well beyond the reach of first baseman Mark Vientos, allowing Randy Arozarena to scoot to second base. Two pitches later, the next batter, Luke Raley, reached when his liner went off Vientos’ glove and rolled into right field. Arozarena scored easily. Cue the music.The inning played out like the Mets’ season. They had tied the score in the top of the third inning. The Mariners, a good team and winners of eight straight games, never surrendered another lead. One step forward. Two steps back.“Sloppy,” is how Mets manager Carlos Mendoza described the 8-3 loss that dropped his club to 26-35.Is this where a bad Mets season takes its cruelest turn?As bleak as the big picture is surrounding the Mets, there are some bright spots. Some of the bulbs may be flickering, but at least they’re on. Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing are playing like they belong. Juan Soto is hitting like Juan Soto. Sean Manaea is supplying better outings.Then there’s the expectation of improved health. A.J. Minter’s return deepens the bullpen. Francisco Alvarez (torn meniscus) started a rehab assignment on Tuesday and it’s possible he returns next week and ends up beating his projected timeline by a month. There is a decent possibility that Jorge Polanco (Achilles) rejoins the Mets on Friday. Francisco Lindor (calf) remains without a timeline though Mendoza has said the star shortstop’s situation is improving.And yet …None of it matters if the hole becomes too big to climb out of.