New York Mets’ first baseman Pete Alonso, affectionately nicknamed “Polar Bear,” etched his name into postseason lore with a monumental three-run home run in the ninth inning against Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams on Thursday night. This electrifying Pete Alonso Home Run not only propelled the Mets to a thrilling 4-2 victory but also clinched their National League Division Series (NLDS) berth, setting up a highly anticipated clash with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Facing a 2-0 deficit in the top of the ninth, with tension palpable at American Family Field, Alonso stepped up to the plate. With runners on base, he connected powerfully with a 3-1 changeup from Williams, sending the ball soaring over the right-field fence. The Milwaukee crowd, moments before roaring with anticipation, fell into stunned silence as the Mets surged ahead, 3-2. Jesse Winker later added an insurance run, solidifying the Mets’ dramatic win in this decisive game three of the first-round series.
“I was just hunting for a pitch out over the plate,” Alonso recounted after the exhilarating victory. “I was really just trying to drive something hard to the big part of the ballpark. I’m incredibly happy I capitalized in that moment. It’s a truly special moment.”
Prior to this game-altering swing, Alonso had endured a tough series, going just 1-for-11. This slump included an uncharacteristic double play in Game 2 where he tripped over his own bat. However, the mark of a true professional is resilience, and Alonso demonstrated precisely that. He channeled his focus, dismissing past struggles to seize the crucial opportunity. According to ESPN Research, this Pete Alonso home run is historic, marking him as the first major league player to hit a go-ahead home run in the ninth inning or later of a winner-take-all postseason game.
The stage for Alonso’s heroics was set by Francisco Lindor, who drew a walk, and Brandon Nimmo, who followed with a sharp single. With runners in scoring position, Alonso approached the plate with a clear mission. He didn’t miss his chance.
“Especially in these high-pressure playoff games, you have to have a short memory, move on to the next pitch, and strive to make a positive impact,” Alonso explained. “Stay composed and execute.”
Veteran teammate J.D. Martinez echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the team’s belief in Alonso’s ability to deliver. “Everyone on the team felt he was due for a big hit,” Martinez said. “This was a huge weight off his shoulders. For him to lift us like that was massive. He did a fantastic job of staying within himself, not trying to do too much. It was a perfect swing, direct and powerful.”
The drama of the game was heightened by the Brewers’ brief surge in the bottom of the seventh inning. Pinch hitter Jake Bauers and right fielder Sal Frelick hit back-to-back home runs off Mets pitching, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and giving Milwaukee a 2-0 lead. However, the elation was short-lived, setting the stage for Alonso’s dramatic response.
This see-saw battle mirrored the unpredictable nature of the entire series. ESPN Research highlights the statistical rarity of late-inning collapses in playoff-clinching scenarios. Over the past five postseasons, teams leading entering the eighth inning with a chance to clinch a playoff series held a dominant 39-2 record. Remarkably, both losses in that small sample size occurred in this very series, with the Mets faltering on Wednesday and the Brewers succumbing on Thursday.
“This series was incredible,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza stated, brimming with pride. “I am immensely proud of this team’s resilience.”
Prior to Alonso’s game-winner, Mets starter Jose Quintana delivered a masterful performance, pitching six shutout innings in a stellar pitching duel against Brewers rookie Tobias Myers. Both starters traded zeroes, keeping the game scoreless through six frames.
“Tobias was throwing up zeros, so I knew I had to match him,” Quintana said, still soaked in champagne from the Mets’ celebratory locker room. “Then Pete came through at the perfect moment. I am incredibly proud of him.”
Pete Alonso is set to become a free agent after this season, which has now been extended by at least three more games. His remarkable durability is evident in his participation in all 165 Mets games this year. He launched 34 home runs during the regular season, adding this monumental Pete Alonso home run to his postseason resume.
While Alonso’s overall offensive production dipped slightly this season, resulting in a career-low .788 OPS, his power and clutch hitting remain undeniable assets. He is expected to be a highly sought-after player in the upcoming free agency market in November.
Mets owner Steve Cohen, watching the game from the clubhouse, experienced a delayed but equally ecstatic reaction to Alonso’s home run. “It was on delay,” Cohen chuckled. “But man, he truly came through. I am so incredibly proud of him.”
Cohen expressed similar pride in his team, who navigated a challenging path to the postseason, including a regular-season doubleheader just to qualify. They secured a Game 1 victory in Milwaukee, faced a setback in Game 2, and ultimately triumphed in this decisive Game 3.
How about that finish! Hollywood couldn’t write a better script . So proud of this team. Onward to Philly
— Steven Cohen (@StevenACohen2) October 4, 2024
“It feels like we’ve been on the road for a month,” Martinez joked, highlighting the grueling nature of their playoff push.
The Mets now advance to the NLDS, facing the Philadelphia Phillies in a best-of-five series. Games 1 and 2 are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday in Philadelphia. During the regular season, the Mets posted a 6-7 record against the Phillies and finished six games behind them in the division standings. According to ESPN Research, the historical rivalry between these two franchises is extensive, with 1,081 all-time meetings, the most between any two teams without a prior playoff matchup since 1962.
Alonso’s Pete Alonso home run ensured this historic playoff meeting will finally materialize.
“We have each other’s backs in this clubhouse,” Alonso affirmed. “Tonight, it was my turn to step up. Tomorrow, it will be someone else’s.”
