Mets Lose as Diaz Gives Up Grand Slam to Arizona in Eighth

A Bitter Loss

The New York Mets suffered a heart-breaking 5-2 defeat to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night at Citi Field.

The game was tied 2-2 in the top of the eighth inning when reliever Edwin Diaz entered the game with two runners on base.

Diaz, who has been one of the Mets' most reliable relievers this season, gave up a grand slam to Daulton Varsho, giving the Diamondbacks a 6-2 lead.

The Mets offense struggled to generate runs against Diamondbacks starter Zac Gallen.

Gallen allowed just two runs on four hits over seven innings of work.

The Mets managed just six hits in the game, and they were 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

The loss was a missed opportunity for the Mets, who are now 4.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves in the NL East.

The Mets had a chance to gain ground on the Braves, who lost to the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday night.

Instead, the Mets remain in third place in the division, and their playoff hopes are fading.

Diaz's grand slam was his second home run allowed in his last three appearances.

The All-Star closer has a 4.74 ERA this season, and he has given up seven home runs in 30.1 innings pitched.

Diaz's struggles are a concern for the Mets, who need him to be at his best in the second half of the season.

The Mets will look to bounce back on Tuesday night when they face the Diamondbacks in the second game of their series.

Taijuan Walker is scheduled to start for the Mets, while Merrill Kelly will start for the Diamondbacks.

The Mets need a win to avoid falling further behind in the NL East race.