MILWAUKEE — The New York Mets faced a significant hurdle in their quest for a National League wild-card spot, falling to the Milwaukee Brewers 6-0 in a disheartening effort at American Family Field on Saturday night. What could have been a critical weekend for the Mets now looms larger, as the pressure builds heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

This defeat marks the Mets’ third consecutive loss, following a series where they had previously shown promise, winning three out of four against the Philadelphia Phillies. Fans who expected a turnaround were left disappointed as the Mets could muster only two hits against the Brewers, a stark contrast to their recent offensive capabilities.

As of now, the Mets share the same standing as the Atlanta Braves and Arizona Diamondbacks for the last two wild-card positions in the NL. However, Atlanta’s thrilling walk-off victory over the Kansas City Royals helped them pull ahead. The Diamondbacks' loss to the San Diego Padres, while a bit of a silver lining for the Mets, doesn’t ease the tension as they prepare for a crucial doubleheader against Atlanta on Monday.

Star pitcher Jose Quintana had an up and down performance, lasting just 4⅓ innings and allowing two earned runs on five hits. His impressive 25-inning scoreless streak came to an end when Brewers’ rookie Joey Ortiz hit a two-run single that paved the way for a decisive lead. The Mets' inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities reflected a lack of urgency, particularly when Starling Marte reached third base with one out in the fifth inning but was left stranded.

Fans will be looking closely at player performance, and areas of concern are becoming evident. Francisco Lindor is grappling with his form since returning from an eight-game injury absence, contributing to the team’s struggles at the plate.

On the other side, the Brewers, already confirmed as the No. 3 seed for the postseason, are playing with confidence and intensity. They have not just secured their playoff position, but they also continue to build momentum as they aim for a deep run in October.

As the Mets sit at a troubling 0-5 against the Brewers this season, they must regroup quickly. Fans and players alike are left holding their breath, wondering if this season's playoff ambitions can be resurrected in the crucial days ahead. Will the Mets rise to the challenge, or will their postseason aspirations slip away permanently? Only time will tell, but with each game weighing heavily on their playoff hopes, the urgency is palpable.