MIAMI — Throughout the second-to-last game of the season at their adopted home, enthusiastic cries of “Let’s Go Mets” resonated. In response, the Mets delivered one of their finest performances of the year, certainly in recent weeks.

Yes, indeed, there’s still a little bit of fight left in the orange and blue. But is it enough? And did it come too late? 

The team clinched a crucial 5-0 win against their rivals, the Marlins, in game number 161, keeping their hopes alive for Sunday’s decisive season finale. Yet, it’s hard not to question: Was this merely a final show of spirit? And are they merely postponing the inevitable disappointment? 

The Mets deserve a bit of recognition for hanging on in the playoff race until the very end, due to an impressive all-around performance not frequently witnessed since the first half of the season, when they were at their peak. The crowd erupted in cheers as Mets closer Edwin Díaz secured the last out. This team is cherished, even here in “New York South,” where a large group of New York transplants will return to see the season’s conclusion on Sunday.