You are surely familiar with how the Mets have always taken the fight to their rivals under the bright lights of Citi Field. However, this time, it’s not just the Braves bringing the heat. New York itself has turned into an unforgiving opponent, as a brutal heatwave tightens its grip on the city. Temperatures are soaring, and it’s not just the players sweating under pressure; every soul in the stands is feeling the scorch. But during Game 2 of the Mets-Braves series, one Braves fan stole the spotlight with a move no one saw coming.

One spectator took a bizarre route to beat the heat. So much so that Mets legend and broadcaster Keith Hernandez couldn’t help but do a double-take on live TV. His voice was tinged with equal parts amazement and amusement. “Why does he have a jacket on?” Keith was surprised to see a fan trying to beat the heat with a jacket on.

The footage shows the fan was trying to comfort himself by using a hand fan, all while donning his Braves jacket. To give you an idea of the temperature on the field during the game, it was the hottest game in Citi Field since 2001. The temperature soared to 97 degrees. That’s the highest since the 98-degree record in 2001 in Shea Stadium (then home ground of the Mets).

Imagine wearing a jacket in 98-degree weather. We can only speculate that the fan’s affection for the Braves and his jersey motivated his choice. For starters, the U.S. National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning in New York this week, and the Mets took up several initiatives to address it.

To help fans beat the brutal heat, the Mets have turned parts of Citi Field into cool zones. If you visit Citi Field, you will find sections 104, 140, 303, 415, and the Jackie Robinson Rotunda designated as official cooling stations. So, need to chill out? Swing by any fan assistance spot for ice packs, or visit the concessions where they’re handing out free cups of ice and water.

Meanwhile, the Braves are making the Mets feel the heat on the field amid this scorching summer.

It’s a meltdown for the Mets

The Mets’ clubhouse is calling mayday! Well, it’s been an unreal and unsettling downfall for the Mets. Remember the strong start the Mets had? Just a week ago, they were leading the division, but they have quickly fallen behind the Phillies. With their latest loss to the Braves, the Mets have now dropped three straight and 10 of their last 11, falling to 46-34 on the season!

So, who’s to blame? Primarily, it’s the pitching staff. Coming into the season, the Mets were built around arms. The rotation looked solid, if not formidable. But things quickly went south, as the once-reliable starters are now unable to make it past the fifth inning.

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Take their most recent game as an example. Paul Blackburn, tasked with giving the relievers a breather, only made it through 4 2/3 innings while allowing three earned runs. Here’s another example of how the Mets’ starters just aren’t going deep into games. For those unfamiliar, over the last 10 outings, the rotation has averaged under five innings per start. So, that’s enough to put immense pressure on a bullpen that’s already been stretched far too thin.

Well, there’s still time. The season is barely halfway, and the Mets remain within striking distance of the postseason race. But if they’re going to reclaim their early-season form, it starts on the mound. Currently, things are not right on the mound. The faster they improve, the higher be chance of October dreams.