NEW YORK — The Mets' opportunity to bounce back will not be too far down the road.

In the series finale against the Pirates on a rain-soaked Wednesday night, the Mets offense disappeared after missing out on some early chances and they fell in a 4-0 result in front of 34,473 fans at Citi Field.

The Mets had several opportunities to grab the series sweep but could not cash in. That meant it only took one swing from the Pirates off Clay Holmes to grab the lead for good.

Next up, the highly-anticipated Subway Series this weekend.

In the opening inning, the Mets loaded the bases on a Mark Vientos single and walks by Pete Alonso and Starling Marte, but Luis Torrens fanned on a slider to let Pirates starter Bailey Falter, who threw 32 pitches in the frame, off the hook.

The Mets threatened again in the fourth inning, with Brandon Nimmo and Torrens each singling and Luisangel Acuna walking to load the bases. But Jose Azocar flew out to center field to snuff out the chance. They only managed three hits the rest of the night.

It was only the second time this season that the Mets have been shut out — the first since April 9 against the Marlins.

"I thought we controlled the strike zone against their starter, a few walks, a couple of bases-loaded situations, we just couldn't come through," Carlos Mendoza said. "Once they got to the bullpen, it becomes a bullpen game and they got the matchups they wanted pretty much. After the starter came out, we didn't create much opportunities there."

Subway Series will be battle of pace-setters

The loss snapped the Mets' three-game win streak, yet they still carry the second-best record in baseball heading into an exciting weekend in the Bronx. For only the third time in the clubs' history will the Mets and Yankees (25-18) meet while in first place in their respective divisions. That was also the case in 2015 and 2022.

But none of that matters when the two New York teams square off.

"Every year it's a big deal. It's a crosstown thing and it's always super fun," Pete Alonso said before the game. "Every day, teams are playing for something but non-division games, not that they don't matter but this is more a pride thing on whichever side of the rivalry you're on here in the city. For me, it's a big deal every time."

Clay Holmes tagged twice

Holme's first start on normal rest since transitioning to starting pitching role brought its own unique challenges.

The veteran right-hander battled through sloppy conditions throughout his start. As the rain bore down on the righty in the second inning, Holmes allowed a bloop single into left field and threw a pitch to the backstop. He then surrendered a two-run home run Ryan Gorski on a hanging sweeper.

"Some tough hops there, losing grip on the ball there and trying to make pitches," Holmes said. "Maybe went with the slide one too many times there, but I thought it was probably the best thing I could control but ended up getting beat with it.

Holmes stranded a pair of runners in the fourth inning but could not skirt through trouble in the fifth. He allowed a bunt single to Ji Hwan Bae and then left a sinker over the heart of the plate that Jared Triolo drove into the left-field seats to build the Pirates' advantage to 4-0.

Holmes managed to get through six innings but allowed four earned runs — tied for a season high — on seven hits and one walk. He suffered his first loss since Opening Day against the Astros as his record moved to 5-2 and his ERA inched up to 3.14.

Juan Soto will be well rested

New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) follows through on an RBI groundout during the seventh inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 12, 2025, at Citi Field.

Mendoza had to be the bearer of bad news for Juan Soto before Wednesday's series finale.

With the Mets looking toward a scheduled off day on Thursday, the Mets manager opted to sit Soto to give him some added rest. Mendoza said the decision was about "playing the long game" with Soto.

But it did not stop the 26-year-old superstar from getting his work in before his reunion with his former team.

"I just went back to the weight room about 35 minutes ago and he’s getting after it there," Mendoza said before the game. "I’m like, ‘So much for an off day.’ That says a lot about who he is as a player, a person that on a day when he’s not in the lineup, he’s getting after it pretty good in the weight room."

Soto is readying to face the Yankees and a likely hostile environment at Yankee Stadium. He'll enter the series slashing .255/.380/.465 with eight home runs, 20 RBI and 31 runs.