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The New York Mets pulled off a miraculous comeback on Thursday night against the Milwaukee Brewers, as they scored four runs in the 9th inning to go on and win the game 4-2, advancing to the National League Divisional Series.
The Game 3 win over the Brewers provided an iconic modern baseball moment courtesy of Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, who launched a 3-run home run with one out to give the Mets a 3-2 lead that they’d never relinquish.
As is the always case with baseball, Alonso’s home run is backed by tons of compelling narratives, as the Mets’ cornerstone slugger is not only in the final year of his contract but has also been enduring one of the worst seasons of his pro career. That all changed with one swing though.
That swing, in fact, was literally historic, as Alonso became the “first player in MLB history to hit a go-ahead HR while trailing in the 9th inning or later of a winner-take-all postseason game,” per Opta. They began playing professional baseball in this country in the late 1800s.
With their win over the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Wild Card Series, the Mets have advanced to the National League Divisional Series, where they’ll take on their NL East rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies. Shockingly, this is the first time that the Mets and Phillies have ever faced off in the playoffs.
The Mets have now pulled off two of the most iconic victories in the franchise’s history over the past week, adding fuel to the fire that suggests they’re a team of destiny.
After beginning the season 0-5 and finding themselves 11 games under .500 in late May, the Mets have had the best record in the sport since Francisco Lindor called a players-only meeting on May 29.
The NLDS between the Mets and Phillies begins Saturday, October 5, at 4:08 p.m. Reports indicate Mets pitcher Tylor Megill will take the bump against Phillies ace Zach Wheeler, a former New York Met.