In an electrifying Game 3 of the NL wild-card series, the New York Mets made a thrilling comeback to defeat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2, highlighted by a crucial three-run homer from Pete Alonso off closer Devin Williams in the ninth inning. This victory not only secures the Mets their first playoff advancement since capturing the National League pennant in 2015, but it also sets them up for a showdown with the Philadelphia Phillies in a best-of-five Division Series starting Saturday, marking their first postseason matchup against this historic rival.
During the regular season, the Mets posted a 6-7 record against the Phillies, finishing six games adrift of them in the division standings. Meanwhile, the Brewers were aiming for their sixth playoff appearance in the last seven years, still in search of their first postseason series win since they reached the NL Championship Series back in 2018.
The loss for Milwaukee was particularly bittersweet. After a scoreless stalemate for most of the game, Jake Bauers and Sal Frelick put the Brewers ahead with back-to-back home runs off José Buttó in the seventh inning. With Tobias Myers and three relievers collaborating for a two-hit shutout through the first eight innings, the Brewers seemed to be in firm control.
However, the ninth inning delivered a dramatic twist. After twelve consecutive Mets batters were retired, the tide began to turn when Francisco Lindor walked on a 3-2 pitch. Following a strikeout from Mark Vientos, Brandon Nimmo’s single allowed runners to occupy the corners, paving the way for Alonso. Despite not having homered since September 19, he delivered when it counted most, smashing a 3-1 changeup over right field. As he circled the bases, Alonso celebrated with a “chef’s kiss” gesture, showcasing his satisfaction and putting the Mets ahead.
Williams, who had been solid throughout the series, struggled to regain his composure following that pivotal moment. Jesse Winker, who faced heavy booing during the game, was hit by a pitch, stole second base, and ultimately crossed the plate on Starling Marte’s single, celebrating loudly as he did.
This comeback is a compelling highlight in a Mets season that began with challenges, seeing them at 22-33 by late May. However, they surged in the latter half of the regular season, clinching a playoff berth during a thrilling 8-7 victory over Atlanta, where they scored all their runs in a decisive final two innings.
In the bottom of the ninth, Frelick led off with a single for the Brewers, but their hopes rapidly diminished as Joey Ortiz struck out and Brice Turang hit into a double play, sealing their fate in the series.
Edwin Díaz played a crucial role, pitching one and two-thirds innings of scoreless relief to secure the win, while David Peterson notched his first major league save with a clean ninth inning. The game began as a pitchers’ duel, with Myers and New York’s José Quintana each delivering impressive outings—Myers with five shutout innings while Quintana kept the Brewers at bay for six.
