The remarkable resilience of the Mets persists with yet another incredible comeback that has salvaged their season.

He expressed, "Words cannot convey my feelings. Words cannot convey my feelings. I am simply overwhelmed with excitement at this moment." Alonso's three-run home run against Devin Williams in the top of the ninth inning propelled the New York Mets to their second remarkable victory in just four days, culminating in a 4-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers in a decisive Game 3 of the Wild Card Series. The Mets are set to depart for Philadelphia on Friday morning, where they will commence their first National League Division Series in nine years against their rivals, the Phillies, on Saturday. This matchup marks the first time the two teams have faced each other in the postseason. "We just witnessed one of the most extraordinary games in Mets history," stated David Stearns, the president of baseball operations, echoing sentiments he expressed earlier in the week. Stearns is well aware of the franchise's history; despite a relatively modest number of postseason victories, their significance is profound. This is the team that embodies "Amazin" without the 'g,' whose supporters still don "Mojo Rising" shirts, and where for decades, one cannot attend a game without encountering a sign proclaiming "Ya Gotta Believe." The 2024 Mets are forging a similar legacy within the franchise's narrative. "I keep reiterating: We maintain our belief," remarked manager Carlos Mendoza. "We have faced adversity and have been knocked down, yet we consistently find ways to rise again." Team owner Steve Cohen expressed his astonishment, stating, "I am astounded by how this continues to unfold. It is the most remarkable experience I have ever witnessed." J.D. Martinez added, "Once you experience this, regular baseball seems mundane." Throughout the season, the Mets have demonstrated their resilience—overcoming a 0-5 start, trailing by 11 games, and facing ninth-inning deficits with their season on the line. On Thursday, they replicated the script from Monday's game, but with increased stakes: they had to forgo the safety net of a second game in the event of a loss, and they entered the final inning with only two hits to their name, all while contending with one of the league's most formidable closers in a stadium poised for an explosive reaction.

Stearns remarked, “There was no way this season was going to conclude without some action in that ninth inning.” The stars of New York were pivotal in this moment. Francisco Lindor battled back from a 1-2 count to earn a leadoff walk. Brandon Nimmo then hit a single through the right side, positioning Alonso as the potential go-ahead run. Approaching the plate, Alonso had recorded five hits in his last 41 at-bats, with none being for extra bases. He had consistently asserted that his at-bats remained strong. Throughout the series, he had stumbled over his bat and misplayed a pop-up. He kept reminding himself, next play, next play. His manager repeatedly stated that he was just one swing away from a breakthrough. That swing turned out to be monumental. Williams’ signature changeup was aimed at the outer half, and Alonso connected powerfully, letting out a shout as the ball soared over the right-field fence, bouncing off the first row of seats. His teammates rushed from the dugout to celebrate with him, reminiscent of Little Leaguers. “He was prepared for the moment,” Lindor noted. Alonso’s home run also elevated the performances of others on the team. Jose Quintana, in what could be considered the most significant start of his career, executed a brilliant performance, delivering six scoreless innings to maintain a 0-0 tie into the later stages of the game.

Edwin Díaz secured five outs to keep the Mets competitive after Milwaukee had taken the lead with two home runs in the seventh inning off José Buttó. Once the Mets regained the lead, they relied on starter David Peterson to secure the first save of his professional career. “I don’t think there’s a more fitting way for this team to win,” remarked Nimmo. Alonso reflected on his childhood aspiration of hitting a ninth-inning home run in the playoffs, questioning whether he fully grasped the significance of his achievement on Thursday night. “Not right now,” he replied with a smile, followed by a pause. “I don’t think I ever will.” One can only speculate about what the Mets have planned for their next performance. However, the challenge is set to increase with an upcoming Division Series matchup against the Phillies. “This ride’s not over yet,” Peterson stated. “It’s going to be intense,” added Nimmo. “This is exactly what you want.”