SAN DIEGO — The Mets were leading the majors in an assortment of categories through Wednesday, including runs scored (299), hits (525), on-base percentage (.334) and batting average (.263).
Much to their dismay, they were also leading the majors in a far more painful category: hit batsmen. And as Manager Buck Showalter grimly assessed, before their series in San Diego concluded with a 13-2 loss to the Padres on Wednesday, “We’ve lengthened our lead.”
The Mets, who have the National League’s best record despite losing two of three to the Padres, will welcome Thursday’s lone off-day in a 10-game, 11-day romp through Southern California.