Pete Alonso put the New York Mets on the scoreboard first in their playoff clash against the Philadelphia Phillies, hitting a long solo home run off pitcher Aaron Nola during the second inning.
NEW YORK — After a stellar performance on Tuesday, pitcher Sean Manaea walked off the mound with the cheers of the crowd resonating around him. The 32-year-old left-hander delivered a remarkable outing in the Mets’ 7-2 victory over the Phillies in Game 3 of the National League Division Series. As he left the field, he dedicated his performance to his late Aunt Mabel, who passed away early that morning. “That game was for her,” he remarked.
Manaea pitched into the eighth inning, limiting the potent Phillies lineup to just three hits and two walks while using 91 pitches. The only run against him scored after he had exited the game. This victory gave the Mets a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series, putting them one win away from advancing to the National League Championship Series.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized the importance of staying focused as his team prepares for Game 4. “We’ve got to stay humble and prepare for tomorrow,” he said.
Citi Field was electric with excitement as the Mets returned home after a 16-day road trip. The crowd celebrated the franchise’s first divisional round game since 2015, and among the supporters was Seymour Weiner, a World War II veteran who had become an internet sensation earlier this year. The energetic atmosphere peaked when Alonso crushed a first-pitch fastball from Nola for a solo home run in the second inning, marking his third postseason home run.
Jesse Winker followed by extending the Mets’ lead with a two-run homer of his own. The Mets added more runs in the following innings, giving their bullpen a substantial cushion as they solidified their lead.
Manaea’s outing was not without its challenges. In the sixth inning, after allowing two walks, he faced two-time MVP Bryce Harper. Despite the pressure, Manaea struck out Harper, regaining his momentum. “Once he got Harper there, I thought he had momentum back,” Mendoza noted.
The pitcher maintained his aggressive approach, leading to an important double play that ended the inning, eliciting a tremendous response from the crowd. Manaea, who changed his pitching style midseason, sought redemption after a difficult outing against the Phillies two years ago when he allowed five runs in just over an inning. Reflecting on his past struggles, he stated, “That moment for me was rock bottom pretty much.”
On this memorable Tuesday, Manaea showcased his strengths, marking a high point in a season filled with promise for the Mets.