Takeaways from Brewers-Mets Game 2: Late-game power display helps Milwaukee force Game 3

Brewers bullpen outclassed Mets, but at what cost? 

Clutch offense late will be the headline for the Brewers' win. Still, their bullpen was an unsung hero, as Trevor Megill, Joel Payamps, Jared Koenig, Joe Ross and Devin Williams pitched a combined 5.1 innings of scoreless ball in relief of starter Frankie Montas. 

Conversely, the Mets' lack of a clear-cut setup man reared its ugly head. In the eighth inning, Phil Maton came in with a 3-2 lead before allowing three earned runs off four hits, including two long balls. 

The Brewers pen allowed the offense time to come around, but manager Pat Murphy's strategy of using as many pitchers as necessary may haunt them. Milwaukee has used eight different relievers over two days, which might leave them shorthanded heading into the decisive Game 3. 

Mets bats sealed their fate 

Carrying a lead late into the game, the Mets seemingly had a trip to the National League Divison Series in the bag. While the bullpen ultimately blew the lead, New York's bats may be most to blame. 

In Game 1's 8-4 victory, the Mets took full advantage of their opportunities, going 5-for-7 with RISP. However, New York regressed Wednesday, finishing just 2-for-11 with nine left on base. 

Meanwhile, they'll go into Game 3 cold. After taking a 3-1 lead through two innings, the Mets went just 3-for-21 the rest of the way, failing to have even one base-runner reach second over that stretch.