The Mets, who are supposed to be trampling weaker opponents, instead were swept in a three-game series for the first time this season, the final indignity a 6-3 loss to the Cubs at Citi Field on Wednesday night in front of 28,522.
The Mets scored a total of six runs in the three games against a Chicago club that has been out of contention for months. Buck Showalter’s crew next will host the Pirates for four games that seemed easier a few weeks ago.
The Mets are amid a stretch of 16 straight games against sub-.500 opponents, and they have dropped seven of the first 12.
“It was a great opportunity,” Francisco Lindor said about the wasted games. “But at the end of the day, they’re big-league teams. They’re professionals.”
The only positive development around the club is that its nemesis has begun losing, too.
The Mets (89-55) remained a half-game ahead of the Braves, who lost to the Giants and have dropped consecutive series in Seattle and San Francisco.
NEW YORK SPORTS THIS WEEK 