Not with a bang, but a whimper

The Mets, unlike in their sweep of Saturday’s doubleheader, could not overcome a makeshift bullpen and a low-scoring offense, as they fell to the Cubs 3-2 on the last day of a very successful first half of the 2022 campaign. Despite the loss, they will head into the All Star Break with a 58-35 record, in first place in the NL East.

The Mets had a frustrating day at the plate, netting eight hits and making some loud contact, but the rough winds in Wrigley made it tough sledding for any and all fly balls, regardless of what jerseys the hitters wore. They scored their first run of the day in the first inning, on a Starling Marte steal of home — kind of. Back to back singles by Marte and…