Mendoza addresses Peterson’s struggles after Mets loss.

Burleson hits a solo shot to get the Cardinals on top in the first. In the bottom of one, Benge singles and Bichette launches a ball into outer space. Later, Young hits a line drive solo shot. 3-1 Mets after one inning.

The St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets play the finale of their 3-game series Thursday at Citi Field in New York, New York. First pitch is at 1:10 p.m. ET.

Luis Robert Jr. has been on the injured list for six weeks already and the Mets still don't have an idea when he'll return from his back injury.

NEW YORK – The Mets are left to pick up the pieces after a pair of blowout losses to the Cardinals. With a pair of inefficient outings from Freddy Peralta and David Peterson an near-non-existent offense, the Mets dropped the opening two games by a combined score of 16-2.

The St. Louis Cardinals (37-28) will look to complete a three-game sweep when they visit the New York Mets (29-38) for the series finale on Thursday at Citi Field. St. Louis has won both games of the set,

The Mets have dug themselves a deep hole. Continuing to give underperforming players consistent paths to playing time won't help dig them out of it.

Follow our live updates as the New York Mets look to bounce back against the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday at Citi Field.