"Everyone should feel proud of themselves" - Carlos Mendoza reflects on remarkable Mets campaign ending with NLCS Game 6 loss to Dodgers

Carlos Mendoza shared his perspective on the New York Mets' campaign after crashing out of the playoffs with a 10-5 defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 6 of the National League Division Series on Sunday. The Mets manager said that everyone on the team ought to hold their heads high for what they achieved this year and believes the experience will be crucial for their progress.

The Mets were hammered by the Dodgers in the opening game of the NLCS before drawing level by winning the second game on the road. However, they lost the next two games at Citi Field before winning their final home game to force the series back to LA. The Mets took an early lead in Game 6, but the Dodgers came back strong and eventually sealed a commanding win to take the NL pennant.

Carlos Mendoza pondered on his team's exit from the postseason in an interview with Ken Rosenthal for Fox Sports.

"(I told the team) how proud I was," Mendoza said. "Not only the players, but also the coaches and the whole organization. From Steve and Alex Cohen, our owners, to David Stearns and the front office.

"It wasn't easy for us," Mendoza continued. "We went through a lot. We faced a lot of adversity and the fact that we got to this point. It stinks [to lose], obviously. This feeling. It hurts.

"We set the bar high," he added. "Now (the players) know what it takes to play meaningful games in August, September, but deep into October. So, everybody should feel proud of themselves."

The Mets were completely out of the playoff race after posting a 24-33 record at the end of May and languishing more than 10 games behind a wildcard spot in the NL.

However, they turned into the hottest team in the MLB after that and clinched a postseason berth on the final day of the regular season. They then went past the Milwaukee Brewers and the Philadelphia Phillies to book their place in the NLCS.

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"I am proud to represent and be the manager": Carlos Mendoza on his first year with the Mets

Carlos Mendoza believes the Mets will improve in the near future after their deep postseason run (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

The New York Mets fired veteran manager Buck Showalter and appointed Carlos Mendoza to be his replacement at the end of last season.

Menodza had served as a bench coach in the New York Yankees dugout for the previous six years. He spoke to Ken Rosenthal about his first year in charge of a major league team.

"This is a first-class organization," Mendoza said. "I am proud to represent (the Mets) and be the manager.

"First year, we went through a lot," he added. "We have got quality people. We all should feel proud, [while] understanding that our goal is to be playing deep into October and winning the World Series."

Carlos Mendoza was signed to a three-year contract by the Mets, with the club holding the option to extend it for another year.