The New York Mets' season continues to spiral, and this time the mistakes are coming from an unexpected source: the video replay room.

In Saturday's gut-wrenching 4-3 extra-inning loss to the Los Angeles Angels, a critical first-inning miscue by the Mets' replay analyst proved costly. Here's what happened: With two outs, Nolan McLean surrendered three consecutive hits. The third hit led to a run scoring, but replays showed that the runner trying to advance to third base was tagged out—on a brilliant throw by right fielder Austin Slater—before the runner heading home actually touched the plate. Under the rules, that should have negated the run.

But the Mets never challenged the call. Manager Carlos Mendoza explained why: "He missed it," referring to replay analyst Harrison Friedland. "We called, obviously, and he missed it. Harrison is one of the best at his job. Obviously it ends up being a big play when you lose by one run."

And lose by one run they did. In a game that went to extras, that single first-inning run was the difference between a win and a loss. It's a painful reminder that in baseball, every detail matters—especially when you're already struggling.

However, Mendoza was quick to point out that the replay mistake wasn't the only reason for the loss. After tying the game in the seventh inning, the Mets had two golden opportunities to take the lead but couldn't deliver. The biggest chance came with the bases loaded and one out, with the top of the order due up. In a lineup that's been depleted of its big bats—with Bo Bichette and Juan Soto as the last remaining stars from what was once a stacked roster—this was the moment to strike. They couldn't.

For a team already in a dreadful start to the season, these kinds of compounding errors are the last thing they need. When it rains, it pours—and for the Mets, the storm shows no signs of letting up.