The Mets were in position to respond after one of their worst losses of the season Thursday night, entering the eighth inning with a one-run lead. Instead, their recent woes lingered.

Ryan Helsley allowed two runs in the eighth, and the Mets lost to Atlanta, 4-3, in front of 41,782 at Citi Field. It was their second loss in a row and 13th in 15 games.

The Mets went down in order against Raisel Iglesias in the ninth. Pete Alonso grounded out, Jeff McNeil struck out swinging and Cedric Mullins lined out to center.

The Mets (64-57) dropped their fifth straight series — this one to 53-68 Atlanta — and remained five games back of the NL East-leading Phillies (69-52), who lost to the Nationals, 3-2, for their third straight loss Wednesday. The Reds (64-58), who were off Thursday, moved within

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