It's too early to say "Cinderella," but the top of the 9th is proving magical for the Mets. In another stunner, New York pulled off a last-minute win with a three-run blast off the previously dormant bat of Pete Alonso.
Scoreless after eight innings, the Amazin's put two on in the 9th. Brewers closer Devin Williams wisely walked the hero of the play-in doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves, Francisco Lindor to lead off the inning. Brandon Nimmo then singled to put runners on the corners.
Alonso approached the plate, and many fans hoped this would be the moment Alonso might break his home run drought, which had lasted since September 19th. Their wishes were answered when Alonso connected with Williams' change-up, sending it just far enough to clear the indented right field wall.
The Phillies present a familiar obstacle to the Mets. New York won 6 of 13 during the regular season, including the last two. The big difference is pitching, where Philadelphia holds a clear edge. Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Cristopher Sanchez are cumulatively one of the top two groups of starters in the league, and with closer Carlos Estevez, picked up from the Angels in July, the Phils have a bumper crop of quality arms.
That said, the Mets have momentum, and with two big wins on the road, they're starting to believe. Maybe give some credit to Alonso's October Rally Pumpkin, a diminutive orange totem of the Mets' fall success.
In the American League, the other New York team is also represented. The number one seed NY Yankees will face the Kansas City Royals. Both the Mets and Yankees play on Saturday, Oct. 5.
