New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty (22) misplays a pop fly by Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (not pictured) during the ninth inning at Citi Field. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Mets' latest blunder perfectly represents 2023 season in one play

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Jul 15, 2023 11:51 PM ET

The 2023 season has been a comedy of errors for the underachieving New York Mets, and they found a new way to embarrass themselves Saturday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

If you're a New York fan, or any sports fan not living under a rock, you've heard of the butt fumble. Well, late in Saturday's contest, Mets' third baseman Brett Baty pulled off the face fumble. With the Mets trailing the Dodgers 2-1 in the top of the ninth, a sky-high fly-ball alluded a diving Baty, bouncing off the infield dirt and into his face.

The blunder allowed Mookie Betts to score, increasing the Dodgers' advantage to two runs. L.A. added three runs in the ninth following the error, walking away with a 5-1 victory.

Oh my goodness

What is happening in Queens?... pic.twitter.com/FAG4ZxHuWu
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 16, 2023

Baty's unflattering play wasn't the reason behind the Mets' loss, as aside from a fourth-inning homer run by outfielder Brandon Nimmo, New York went down largely without a fight. The Mets finished with only one error (two) shy of matching their hit total (three) as a team on Saturday, striking out eight times while going 0-for-3 with runners in scoring position.

Unfortunately, the Mets' struggles at the plate also wasted a more than decent start from Kodai Senga, who struck out nine, allowing only one earned run over six innings.

The Mets have lost four in a row, falling to 42-50. Much like the rest of the National League East, the Mets are looking up at the division-leading Atlanta Braves (61-30), who they trail by 19.5 games.

Meanwhile, the Mets' wildcard chances are getting just as bleak. Following Saturday's loss, the Mets are nine games back of the NL's third and final playoff spot.

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

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