Alonso Walks It Off In Extras As Mets End Losing Streak
The New York Mets desperately needed to find a way to get a victory and end their eight game losing streak on Sunday at Citi Field. In a game that felt like an exact blue print copy of Saturday’s game, the Mets reversed the end result as Ryne Stanek pitched a clutch 10th, and Pete Alonso launched a walk-off homer. This culminated in the 5-2 extra-innings victory.
Nolan McLean started the contest and gave the Mets exactly what they needed. The rookie pitcher went six innings, allowing five hits, no runs, and only walked two. He struck out seven and lowered his season ERA to a minuscule 1.19. This, despite battling through some issues with his middle finger, once again.
Like Saturday, the game unraveled a bit when manager Carlos Mendoza went to his bullpen. Brooks Raley, allowed a single, and hit a batter, before Reed Garrett came on and allowed a two-run hit. Just like that, the Mets’ 2-0 lead evaporated and the ballgame was tied.
New York was able to obtain the 2-0 lead via a run-scoring ground out by Juan Soto in the fifth and a solo home run from Brandon Nimmo in the sixth. The Nimmo solo shot was his 23rd of the season and his first extra-base hit in the month of September.
After a clutch Francisco Lindor double play got Edwin Díaz out of dire trouble in the ninth inning, Ryne Stanek came on for the 10th, and stranded the winning run at third base. He was able to get a strikeout and induce a pop out with a runner on third base. That set the table for the Mets in the ninth.
The Rangers decided to intentionally walk Juan Soto, bringing Pete Alonso to the plate. Alonso sent the third pitch he saw over the right-field wall and the Mets celebrated at home plate.
The Mets, who sit at 77-73 will now scoreboard watch for the remainder of the afternoon. As of writing, the Arizona Diamondbacks and Cincinnati Reds are currently winning, while the San Francisco Giants are trailing.
Player of the Game: Pete Alonso
Alonso only had one hit in Sunday’s game, but it was the most important one as he drove the game-winning hit over the left-field fence. The three-run shot ended the Mets’ losing skid. It was Alonso’s 34th homer of the season, and counted for RBIs No. 115, 116, and 117.
On Deck
The Mets have an off-day Monday before welcoming in the San Diego Padres to begin a series Tuesday. The first game is set for a 7:10 pm ET first pitch. The probably pitching matchup is Michael King versus Clay Holmes.
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