'SAVED OUR SEASON'
MLB fans laugh the ‘Grimace era is over’ after New York Mets’ amazing win streak inspired by mascot is abruptly ended
Grimace threw the first ceremonial pitch on June 12 - and the Mets never looked back
THE New York Mets have lost for the first time in the Grimace era.
New York's impressive seven-game winning streak was ended on Wednesday night by the Texas Rangers.
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The Mets were beaten 5-3 at Globe Life Field after mustering just 5 hits on the night.
It was their first defeat since a 4-2 reverse against the Miami Marlins on June 11.
Grimace, a giant purple mascot for fast-food chain McDonald's, sent down the ceremonial first pitch against the Marlins on June 12.
The Mets proceeded to go on a seven-game winning run, by far their best streak of a disappointing season.
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It was also the organization's best-winning sequence since 2022.
Over the timeframe, Mets hitters averaged .314, crashed 13 home runs, and enjoyed a +30 run differential.
Fans latched on to the "Grimace era" hype, with t-shirts and memes dedicating the streak to Citi Field's new hero.
The run came to an end on Wednesday as the Mets failed to rally in the 9th against the Rangers.
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But despite the loss, the mood was upbeat amongst a rejuvenated fanbase.
"What a run. Most fun I've had watching baseball in two years. Love this fanbase. Love Grimace. Enjoy the off day and come back strong in Wrigley boys. We're back in this thing," wrote one Mets fan on X.
"You all think the Grimace Era is over? It’s only just begun, a new winning streak is upon us," said another.
"Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened," joked a third.
"Grimace saved our season," declared a fourth.
Despite their ugly start to the campaign, the Mets' recent run has put them back in wildcard contention.
They are now just 1 game behind the St. Louis Cardinals after going 8-2 over their last 10.
Five key MLB rule changes in 2024
1. The pitch clock is reduced from 20 to 18 seconds with runners on base. It will remain at 15 seconds with bases empty.
2. When a pitching change is made, the innings timer will reset to 2:00 rather than 2:15 like it did last year.
3. Teams will only be allowed four mound visits per game in 2024, down from five last season.
4. Fielders and defenders blocking bases will be called for obstruction.
5. The runners' lane from home plate to first base has been widened to include the dirt between the grass and the white line.
"After what we've been through, especially the month of May, and then for us to play good baseball, yes, it shows that we've got a good team," Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said on Wednesday.
"I never felt like we were out of that game. I think that was the feeling for everybody."
"I love the way the guys are playing right now," Mets slugger Brandon Nimmo added.
"I love the way they're responding to adversity.
"But the guys stayed on it and kept fighting to the very end, and we got into situations where we put pressure on them and were able to come through. I think it’s a really special place we’re in right now."
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For the Rangers, the reigning World Series champions ended a five-game losing streak with the win.
They narrowly avoided being swept in consecutive series and are nine games behind AL West-leading Seattle Mariners.
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