As the intensity of the postseason escalates, supporters of the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers prepare for an exhilarating clash in Game 3. While baseball fans may have wished for additional win-or-go-home scenarios today, this one matchup is packed with excitement. With significant stakes for both teams, the night is set to be memorable, as one team seeks a breakthrough while the other faces potential heartbreak. Here are three key storylines to consider as we approach this crucial game.
1. Tobias Myers: The Brewers' Surprising Savior?
Tobias Myers’ path to this crucial moment is truly extraordinary. A few years back, he was traded from Tampa Bay to Cleveland in a deal that involved former top MLB prospect Junior Caminero. Since then, his career has taken various turns, including being designated for assignment by the Giants and subsequently released by the White Sox. Fast forward to last year, and Myers found himself with a 5.03 ERA while playing in Double-A Biloxi.
The Brewers are now relying on this 26-year-old rookie to keep their season going. Myers has made quite an impact in 2024, especially during the latter part of the season, where he achieved a 2.86 ERA across 12 starts. Although he doesn’t usually pitch deep into games, his recent outings have been exceptional. In his last appearance against the Mets, he delivered four scoreless innings, struck out five batters, and allowed only one hit.
Myers has shown remarkable discipline on the mound, with just 36 walks issued in 138 innings this year. He will need assistance from Milwaukee's top-ranked bullpen, which has been heavily utilized over the previous two games. Still, the responsibility of upholding the Brewers' postseason hopes falls on Myers.
2. Can the Mets Keep Jackson Chourio in Check?
At only 20 years old, Jackson Chourio has already made a significant impact in this series and won over Brewers fans. Chourio has become the key player in Milwaukee’s lineup, hitting two of the team’s three home runs in the series and maintaining an impressive .500 batting average. Together with Brice Turang, Chourio has played a role in almost 50% of the Brewers’ total of 19 hits.
Chourio's performance has been exhilarating, and his home runs have evoked nostalgia for the former County Stadium and Milwaukee legend Robin Yount. The dilemma facing the Mets is whether to continue challenging the young superstar or to change their approach. With formidable hitters like Blake Perkins and William Contreras batting behind Chourio, the Mets might find themselves in a difficult predicament.
Chourio is undoubtedly beginning to carve out a promising career, and the Mets must decide if they are prepared to let him influence the outcome of this series.
3. Is a Defining Moment for Pete Alonso on the Horizon?
If any player appears poised for a standout moment in this series, it is Mets first baseman Pete Alonso. A beloved player among fans, Alonso ranks third on the Mets' all-time home run list, yet he has yet to produce a memorable postseason moment that would secure his legacy with the team. Adding to the suspense, Alonso is heading into free agency this offseason, meaning this might be his last game in a Mets uniform.
Alonso has been struggling lately, as he hasn't hit a home run since September 19 and hasn’t achieved any extra-base hits during this series. In Game 2, a misstep out of the batter's box resulted in a crucial double play, wasting a possible run for the Mets in the first inning.
While the Mets have yet to hit a home run in this series, there couldn't be a better time for Alonso to regain his power. With the stakes at an all-time high, the fanbase is eagerly anticipating Alonso's chance to create a memorable moment that would secure his place in Mets history.
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