YORKA The lights in Citi Field start to flicker on and off as a deep, hefty, and menacing bell echoes across the stadium.
Once more, the bell rings.
Fans start to identify the sound as being that of Mets right-hander Ryan Helsley’s introduction music, Hells Bells by AC/DC, as it reverberates throughout the stadium.
The song symbolized the symbolic conclusion of the game when Helsley was the St. Louis Cardinals closer. It signifies the end of whichever inning he is playing in for the Mets, who switched to a middle reliever with their major trade deadline acquisition.
No more.
It might as well mean the end of a good time these days. The instant a lead is about to be wasted.
Helsley did it again less than twenty-four hours after blowing a save and allowing two runs in the Mets’ 4-3 defeat to the San Francisco Giants.
Helsley led 6-5 going into the seventh inning and had to face just three batters to give up the lead. In 1/3 innings, he scored two runs on two doubles.
Helsley was headed for the loss after giving the ball to left-hander Brooks Raley, who allowed three runs in one and a third innings, and then to Ryne Stanek.
With the Mets trailing 11-9 after the final out, it was official. It was Helsley’s third defeat as a Met.
In an attempt to explain the bullpen’s recent difficulties, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza remarked, “It’s hard to describe.” particularly considering the abundance of skill and superior weapons we possess back there.
Helsley has already blown three saves in his seven Mets appearances, giving up nine runs (five earned) in 5 1/3 innings pitched, earning an 8.44 ERA. Compared to his ERA of 3.00 with the Cardinals, that represents a significant gain.
Helsley may be the primary offender, but other pitchers sometimes waste leads for the Mets. Their relievers have a 7.36 ERA after giving up 24 runs in 29 1/3 innings over their last six games.
The bullpen isn’t offering any justifications. Raley responded to questions from media following the game.
He seemed to have faith in the team’s ability to make things better there.
Raley declared, “No one is going to feel sorry for us.” Our leaders have been excellent. Every day, (Francisco Lindor) has led guys with great skill, and nobody is falling off. There is still a lot of baseball to play. I’m sure it will be a lot of fun when it works out.
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