Alonso’s Heroics Propel Mets to Playoff Victory

Pete Alonso’s three-run shot off All-Star closer Devin Williams’ pitch in the ninth inning turned the tide for the New York Mets, securing a 4-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on a thrilling Thursday night. This victory marked their first playoff progression since securing the National League pennant in 2015.

Mets Advance to Division Series

The critical Game 3 victory over Milwaukee pushed the Mets into the best-of-five Division Series, setting the stage for a first-time postseason clash with their fierce rivals, the NL East champion Phillies, on Saturday in Philadelphia. Reflecting on the thrilling journey, Alonso exclaimed, “This has been unreal. What a ride. I’m just excited to help keep this team alive.”

Pete Alonso Makes MLB History

Alonso’s ninth-inning heroics etched his name in baseball history as the first player to hit a go-ahead homer while trailing in the decisive inning of a winner-take-all postseason game, as per OptaSTATS. Alonso equated the moment to childhood dreams, stating, “This is something that you practice as a kid in the backyard.”

On the other side, the Brewers, despite their sixth playoff appearance in seven years since reaching Game 7 of the National League Championship Series in 2018, were left to digest a particularly bitter defeat. Brewers manager Pat Murphy expressed his love for the team and the disappointment of the loss, saying, “I love this team. I’ll never be able to duplicate 2024. It didn’t end the way we wanted to. It ended tragically, actually.”

Williams’ Struggles and Alonso’s Triumph

The game seemed in the Brewers’ grasp as they broke the scoreless tie in the seventh inning with consecutive homers from pinch-hitter Jake Bauers and Sal Frelick off Jose Buttó’s pitches. However, the Mets’ relentless spirit was evident as they entered the ninth inning against Devin Williams, despite 12 straight Mets being retired. Williams confessed, “I didn’t execute the way I needed to. They got the job done and I didn’t.”

Alonso’s Game-Changing Performance

Alonso, who hadn’t delivered an extra-base hit since Sep. 19, changed the game’s dynamics by driving an 86 mph changeup over the right-field wall after a 3-1 count. The slugger’s celebratory “chef’s kiss” gesture as he rounded first base signaled the Mets taking the lead. Alonso’s clutch homer not only sent the Mets to the next round but also marked the biggest home run of his career.

Continued Success for the Mets

The Mets’ dramatic ninth-inning rally epitomized their remarkable regular season comeback. From a dismal 22-33 record in late May, they turned their fortunes around to clinch a postseason spot and a playoff series by achieving the best record in baseball for the rest of the regular season.

Despite the Brewers’ valiant final inning efforts, the Mets held onto their lead. Edwin Díaz’s scoreless relief work and David Peterson’s first major league save sealed the game and the series for the Mets. Joey Ortiz struck out, and Brice Turang hit into a double play to end the Brewers’ series.

Looking Forward

The Mets now turn their focus to their showdown with the Phillies, against whom they held a 6-7 record during the regular season. Despite finishing six games behind them in the division standings, if the Mets carry forward their newfound momentum, it could be an exciting series to watch.