Alonso Breaks Home Run Drought in Dramatic Fashion
Pete Alonso picked the perfect moment to end his home run drought. In the most crucial game of the season, the star first baseman crushed a three-run homer in the ninth inning to lift the New York Mets to a 4-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, securing their spot in the NLDS.
The Mets had been riding a wave of momentum in September, but throughout their postseason push and even into the first two games of the wild-card series, Alonso had struggled at the plate. The power hitter had gone without a home run since September 19, and his timing seemed off in his earlier at-bats. However, in a game where the Mets’ season was on the line, Alonso rose to the occasion when it mattered most.
Ninth-Inning Drama
Trailing 2-0 heading into the ninth, the Mets faced a daunting task. The Brewers seized the advantage with consecutive home runs in the seventh inning, and Milwaukee's All-Star closer, Devin Williams, was prepared to put an end to New York's season. With the pressure mounting, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza recalled looking at Alonso and thinking, “This could be it.”
The inning began with a spark of hope as Francisco Lindor led off with a base hit, followed by a single from Brandon Nimmo, putting runners on the corners with no outs. The scene was ready for Alonso as he approached the plate, possibly for his last at-bat as a Met. With a 3-1 count, he tapped into his trademark power, launching a fastball high over the right-field fence and quieting the Milwaukee fans.
A Struggling Star Redeemed
It was a moment of redemption for Alonso, whose recent slump had been a point of frustration. Over his last 41 at-bats, he hadn’t recorded an extra-base hit, and mistakes like a dropped pop-up earlier in the game seemed to reflect his struggles. However, in a single swing, everything changed. Alonso’s three-run home run sent the Mets’ dugout into a frenzy, while the Brewers were left in stunned silence.
Alonso, recognized for his remarkable hitting strength, had accumulated 226 home runs since his arrival in the league in 2019, ranking just behind Aaron Judge during that time. However, his struggles towards the end of the season sparked doubts about his ability to perform under pressure. Following the game, Alonso commented on the importance of his hit, stating, "I’m just glad I could step up for my team at that moment. It’s truly a memorable occasion."
Brewers’ Strong Effort Falls Short
The loss was a bitter pill for Milwaukee, who had relied on a stellar performance from their starter and a strong offensive showing. Baker Mayfield, Milwaukee’s quarterback, delivered an impressive 19-of-24 performance for 180 yards and three touchdowns. The Brewers' run game also shone, combining for 160 yards on 26 attempts. Nonetheless, several mistakes made late in the game proved to be very costly for them.
Brewers manager Pat Murphy acknowledged Alonso’s game-changing moment, saying, “That’s the way it is. Alonso, although he might have been reserved throughout this series, has made a significant impact. Despite the Brewers putting up a strong fight, they could not prevent the Mets from mounting an impressive comeback.
Mets’ Resilience on Full Display
The Mets' comeback victory highlighted the resilience they’ve shown all season. After a dismal start to the year, including a 9-19 record in May, the team rallied to finish with a 65-40 record over the final four months, earning them a spot in the postseason. Manager Carlos Mendoza reflected on a team meeting that took place at the end of May, which he said was the turning point of the season.
Next Stop: NLDS Against the Phillies
With the win, the Mets now advance to the NLDS, where they’ll face the Philadelphia Phillies in a highly anticipated matchup. Alonso’s late-game heroics, along with the team’s unwavering belief in each other, have defined their improbable season.
“It signifies everything,” Alonso said. "It doesn't matter if it's me or someone else." — I'm aware that everyone in our clubhouse supports each other.. That’s a crucial aspect of how we’ve been able to bounce back and achieve a playoff spot, and now move on to the next round.
As the Mets prepare for the next round, the spirit of resilience that has carried them this far will undoubtedly be key to their continued success.
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