Mets rally and clinch wild card: Alvarez leads crucial victory

In an exciting encounter at Wrigley Field, the Mets showed that the postseason mentality is already present. The 9-7 victory over the Chicago Cubs was not only a triumph, but a declaration of intent.

A Playoff-Flavored Game

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza highlighted the importance of this victory. The game was full of key moments: a brief performance by the starting pitcher, a long relief appearance by the closer, and a crucial home run that gave the team the lead. Catcher Francisco Álvarez, excited by the victory, highlighted the importance of reaching the playoffs and the experience of the previous season. “Last year, we went to the playoffs and had a good run, and I love how that felt,” Álvarez commented. The Mets’ victory coincided with the Reds’ defeat, allowing them to regain sixth place in the National League standings.

The Homerun That Lit Up the Dugout

Álvarez’s two-run homer in the eighth inning, against Chicago reliever Caleb Thielbar, was the highlight of the comeback. This hit not only gave the Mets the lead, but also broke an 80-game streak in which the team had lost when they were down by five or more runs since May 19, 2023. Álvarez’s celebration in the dugout reflected the team’s passion and energy. “Let’s go!” shouted Álvarez, as reported, although with some additional words in the midst of the excitement.

That’s what he is, you know, and we feed off that. The guys love it as a team. We need that, you know? We need that spark. We need that energy.

Carlos Mendoza

This was Alvarez’s tenth home run in a season marked by injuries and a stint in the minor leagues. If the Mets manage to reach October, all the effort will have been worth it.

Mets’ opener David Peterson had a tough outing, but the team managed the victory. Peterson, who has been part of the rotation all season, highlighted the support from the offense: “I have no words to show my gratitude for what they did. They backed me up a lot. We have to win every game possible and I will do everything I can to help this team win games.” The bullpen also played a crucial role, allowing only two runs in 7¾ innings. Álvarez’s home run set the stage for star closer Edwin Díaz to pitch two innings and earn his third save of the season. Díaz retired the six batters he faced, striking out five and throwing only 27 pitches. The pitcher knows that in playoff mode, he and the rest of the Mets’ pitching staff must be ready to go again.

Just get outs. I think everyone in the bullpen knows what they have to do to get outs. Today, the bullpen did a very good job. Tomorrow, we have to have the same mentality.

Edwin Diaz

The game on Tuesday had a playoff atmosphere, and not just for the Mets. The loss was Chicago’s fifth in a row, and they now have a lead of only 1½ games over San Diego for the fourth spot in the National League. The next encounter will pit the Mets’ rookie, Jonah Tong, against Chicago’s 13-game winner, Matthew Boyd. Tong will have the experience of this game to prepare himself. Mendoza emphasized the importance of focusing on the present: “I can’t think about tomorrow. I have to do whatever it takes to win today. I’m glad the guys responded today. Now, we have to see how we put it together.”