In the ninth inning, Pete Alonso drastically boosts the New York Mets' victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, propelling them forward towards the NLDS.
The Metropolitans are set to face their NL East rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies, in the National League Divisional Series (NLDS), commencing on Saturday – a first-time encounter between the two teams in the postseason.
Post-game, Pete Alonso, an impending free agent, expressed his joy, saying, "I'm just so chuffed I managed to deliver." Reminiscing back to their childhood games, he added, "It's something you'd practice in your backyard, visualize these situations in your head as a kid... words fall short. It's straight-up unbelievable."
Alonso's ninth-inning homer off the All-Star closer Devin Williams, just clearing the right field fence, ignited an explosive celebration among the Mets fan base at American Family Field in Milwaukee. Although free agency beckons, this may not be the end of Alonso's Mets journey – the dance continues.
Alonso's clutch hit makes him the first major league player to hit a decisive homer in the final inning of a win-or-go-home postseason game.
"It's a matter of keeping your eye on the ball," Alonso explained to journalists. "Every time at the plate, every pitch, every inning, I want to bring my A-game. I'm 100% focused on that, and it's a game where failure is inevitable. But you've got to stay in the zone, push on to the next pitch and make an impact."
Following the Mets' 8-4 victory in Game 1, the Brewers tied the series with a 5-3 win on Wednesday. Prior to Alonso's homer, Milwaukee seemed set for their first series win since the 2018 NLCS.
Milwaukee had gained a two-run lead in the seventh inning, sailing smoothly till then, thanks to consecutive home runs from Jake Bauers and Sal Frelick. In the top of the ninth, however, the Brewers had retired 12 straight Mets batters while only allowing two hits. Coach David Stearns brought in Williams, who had sealed their Game 2 victory, in response. But Alonso ensured that this game offered a different outcome.
"I'm just stoked I managed to execute there and hit something solid on a pitch I could handle in a crucial part of the match," he grinned.
The Metropolitans' playoff qualification appeared unlikely at multiple instances throughout the season, particularly when they lagged behind the Atlanta Braves by three runs as they entered the ninth inning on Monday. That was before Francisco Lindor smashed a thrilling two-run homer to seal an 8-7 victory and book their postseason ticket.
New York has staged a remarkable turnaround this year, commencing the season with a poor 22-33 record and still making the playoffs. The stunning victory over the Brewers represents the team's first postseason advance since 2015.
"We just witnessed one of the finest games in Mets history," remarked the team's president of baseball operations, David Stearns. "It's a franchise known for thrilling, late-inning comebacks in the playoffs, and to be a part of this with this team – it's truly special. There was no possibility the season would end without a momentous event in the ninth inning."
After the thrilling victory, Alonso discussed his approach during games, stating, "It's all about staying focused and bringing my best to every at-bat." In the heat of the postseason, sportsmanship remains crucial, and Alonso exemplified this by delivering a decisive homer in the crucial ninth inning.
