Pete Alonso put the Mets ahead early against the Phillies with a powerful solo home run off Aaron Nola in the bottom of the second inning.
In a standout performance on Tuesday, Sean Manaea left the mound to a chorus of cheers after leading the Mets to a decisive 7-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 3 of the National League Division Series. Upon concluding his impressive outing, Manaea took a moment to dedicate the game to his late Aunt Mabel, who had passed away earlier that morning.
Manaea delivered the best start of his career, pitching into the eighth inning and helping to preserve a strained bullpen. He limited the formidable Phillies lineup to just three hits and two walks while throwing 91 pitches. The only run scored against him came after he left the game.
With this win, the Mets now lead the best-of-five series 2-1 and can move on to the National League Championship Series with a victory in Game 4 on Wednesday. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized the need for the team to remain grounded and focused as they prepare for the upcoming game.
After an extended absence of 16 days without a home game, the atmosphere at Citi Field was electric for the Mets’ return. The sellout crowd was treated to a motivational message from WWII veteran Seymour Weiner, along with appearances from beloved team mascots.
Alonso’s early home run ignited the crowd, marking his third postseason homer, all hit to the opposite field— a notable shift from his usual hitting patterns. Jesse Winker followed suit, further extending the Mets’ lead with a home run of his own. The Mets continued to pile on runs, scoring in multiple innings, allowing the bullpen to relax after Manaea’s departure.
Manaea’s game wasn’t without its challenges. In the sixth inning, he encountered trouble with back-to-back walks, placing him in a tough situation against two-time MVP Bryce Harper. However, he rebounded to strike out Harper and maintained his momentum, contributing to a pivotal double play that energized the crowd.
Manaea’s performance on Tuesday marked a significant turnaround for the pitcher, who had previously struggled in a playoff game against the Phillies while with the San Diego Padres. This outing stands as a high point in his career as he navigates the final stretch before free agency.