Acce s the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. ST. LOUIS The Mets hits total over two games Sunday suggested they easily could have won both, but an inability to finish busine s got them swept. Mostly, they floundered with runners on base. First, the Mets fell short of a comeback by leaving the bases loaded and the tying run at third over the final two innings in a at Busch Stadium. In the nightcap, they wasted chances in the middle innings in a 5-4 lo s in the series rubber game. Juan Soto reacts during the second game of a doubleheader between the Mets and Cardinals on May 4. Getty Images The Mets, who lost for the fourth time in five games, have consecutive series lo ses for the first time this season. The Mets had 10 hits in each game Sunday and left 12 and 10 runners on base, respectively. We had chances and hit balls hard it didnt go our way today, manager Carlos Mendoza said. In the nightcap, Tylor Megill slogged through five innings in which he allowed four earned runs on four hits and three walks with six strikeouts. Explore More After the Mets rallied for a 4-2 lead with four runs in the third inning, the Cardinals tied it against Megill in the bottom of the frame. Lars Nootbaar and Masyn Winn walked before Nolan Arenado and Willson Contreras each delivered an RBI single. Arenados grounder generously ruled a single could have easily been the innings third out, but Mark Vientos bounced a throw past Pete Alonso, scoring the run and extending the inning for Contreras to deliver. Victor Scott II reacts after hitting a double during the second game of a doubleheader between the Cardinals and Mets. AP I kind of did it to myself in those middle innings, Megill said, referring to the two walks he allowed in the fourth. Juan Soto in the fourth Terrace Marshall Jr. Jersey when Victor Scott II reached above the center field fence to rob him. The Mets left the bases loaded in the inning. The Mets also left two runners on base in the fifth inning. I think we did a really good job of getting guys on, Soto said. Unfortunately, we didnt come through with the big base hit, but overall we did a pretty good job. Soto said he thought his ball was a homer. I hit it hard enough to go out, he said. Max Kranick was tagged for the go-ahead run in the sixth on Scotts RBI double. Alec Burlesons two-run homer in the second put the Mets in a 2-0 hole before they sent nine batters to the plate in the third in building their lead. Yohel Pozo scores a run during the second game of a doubleheader between the Cardinals and Mets on May 4. AP Alonso singled in a run before Starling Marte delivered a two-run single and Francisco Alvarezs grounder through the right side brought in a fourth run. Blade Tidwell had a shaky major league debut in Game 1. In addition, Je se Winker . Winker, who started Game 1 in left field, has served as the teams primary DH this season. CHECK OUT THE AND Winker received an MRI exam on his oblique and will return to New York for further testing. Mendoza expects that Winker will be placed on the injured list. Over 3 / innings Tidwell surrendered six earned runs on nine hits and three walks with two strikeouts. He was removed after throwing 82 pitches. Tidwell . Pete Alonso reacts after striking out during the Mets game against the Cardinals on May 4. Getty Images The Mets rallied in the eighth and ninth innings, but each time left the tying run in scoring position. In the eighth they scored twice before leaving the bases loaded. Overall, the Mets were 3-for-15 with runners in scoring position in Game 1. The Cardinals knocked out Tidwell in the fourth. Burleson walked to load the bases, Donovan stroked an RBI single and Arenado walked. Delivering insights on all things Amazins Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Contreras followed with a two-run single that placed the Mets in a 6-2 hole and ended Tidwells afternoon. Jeff McNeil walked leading off the sixth and following Luisangel Acuas single scored on Francisco Lindors RBI fielders choice. But with a chance for the Mets to get closer after Lindor reached second on Jose Barreros throwing error, Soto was caught looking at strike three in a second straight plate appearance, concluding the threat. Lindors two-run single in the eighth against Phil Maton got the Mets within 6-5. But the Mets left the bases loaded in the inning, as Alonso struck out in an eight-pitch at-bat against lefty JoJo Romero and Nimmo was retired. In the ninth, Vientos singled leading off against closer Ryan Helsley, but the pinch runner Marte was left stranded at third base. Mendoza indicated it was a tough series to lose given the number of chances the Mets were presented. Sometimes it can be a little frustrating, Mendoza said. But theres nothing you can do about it. We have got to keep doing what were supposed to be doing, which is controlling the strike zone and hitting balls hard. Elijah Yelverton Jersey