Controversial win masked a serious Mets problem

The Mets technically got one hit with runners in scoring position Thursday — courtesy of Michael Conforto’s leaning elbow.

But of the real, base-hit variety? That was still a work in progress late in their first week of the regular season. Including Conforto’s controversial hit-by-pitch, which capped off a wild 3-2 win over the Marlins at Citi Field, the Mets were 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position. That continued an early trend that began in their first series against the Phillies, dropping them to 6-for-35 (with 11 walks) with runners in scoring position through four games. Lack of clutch hitting was the Achilles’ heel of an otherwise strong offense in last year’s shortened season.