Pete Alonso put the New York Mets on the scoreboard first against the Philadelphia Phillies with a long solo home run off Aaron Nola in the bottom of the second inning.
In a thrilling Game 3 of the National League Division Series on Tuesday, Sean Manaea delivered a remarkable performance, leading the Mets to a 7-2 victory. After completing his stellar outing, Manaea expressed gratitude to his manager and teammates before taking a moment to acknowledge the crowd. With a heavy heart, he dedicated his performance to his late Aunt Mabel, who had passed away earlier that day.
The left-handed pitcher, 32, delivered the finest start of his major league career, pitching into the eighth inning and limiting the Phillies to just three hits and two walks on 91 pitches. The only run he allowed came after he exited the game.
With this win, the Mets now hold a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-five series and can eliminate their division rivals if they succeed in Game 4 on Wednesday. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized the need for his team to remain focused and ready for the forthcoming challenge.
After a prolonged stretch of 16 days without a home game, Citi Field was electric for the Mets’ return, marking the franchise’s first divisional round game since 2015. The crowd was filled with excitement, including well wishes from World War II veteran Seymour Weiner, who became an internet sensation after being honored in April, and Grimace, the beloved McDonald’s mascot.
Alonso’s powerful home run in the second inning sent the stadium into a frenzy. It marked his third postseason home run, a notable increase in opposite-field hits compared to his regular season performance. Alonso attributed his success to making solid contact with the ball.
The Mets extended their lead with Jesse Winker’s homer that added to their score and went on to tally two more runs in both the sixth and seventh innings, providing a comfortable margin for their bullpen.
Manaea faced some challenges, particularly in the sixth inning when he issued two walks to start the frame. However, after striking out two-time MVP Bryce Harper, Mannena regained his momentum, ultimately leading to an inning-ending double play that energized the crowd and solidified the Mets’ victory.
Manaea’s performance was a significant turnaround from two years prior when the Phillies had overwhelmed him in the playoffs. He had since shifted his pitching style successfully and experienced a triumphant return to form on a day marked by personal loss.