The New York Mets Win in the Most Epic Fashion

New York’s offense was basically asleep for five innings. Then, Francisco Alvarez stepped up to the dish.

Alvarez has really struggled lately. He has looked uncomfortable at the plate and in between two minds. Despite his issues, Alvarez never lost confidence in himself. Alvarez saw three straight balls to get to 3-0. Alvarez always trusts himself, especially in big situations.

Manager Carlos Mendoza trusts his catcher too. Mendoza gave him the chance to turn loose on 3-0 in a tied game. Alvarez got a high inside fastball, a pitch right in his wheelhouse, and he absolutely crushed it.

Who else but Francisco Alvarez to hit the franchise’s first ever walk off home run on a 3-0 pitch .

Alvarez and his whole dugout knew it right away, Alvarez did not even look at the ball. He still remembered the feeling despite not hitting a home run in over three weeks.

A hit like that can do so much for a team, not to mention a player. Confidence was never an issue for Alvarez, but a home run like that could really get him going.

There were times where it seemed like it would be an easy win. New York had a 3-0 lead heading into the fifth inning but the Mets offense, like they have in recent games, fell asleep later in the game. New York has had a real problem with not adding on runs when they have a lead. After the fourth inning, the Mets did not put a ball in play until the decisive home run.

The Mets offense is not clicking. New York struck out 14 times today. But thanks to a huge hit, New York survived.

David Peterson threw another quality start. Peterson allowed three runs in seven innings. He was through 6 innings on 85 pitches. In the past, Mendoza has had a very short lease with Peterson. Mendoza has talked about Peterson earning his trust.

Clearly, the left hander has done that. Peterson came back out for the seventh. He allowed a hard hit double to lead off the inning. Mendoza left him in. The 28 year old was able to retire the next two batters. Then, though, he balked to give up a run.

It seemed like the perfect time for a visit from the pitching coach after Peterson’s balk had brought in a run, just a quick meeting to calm the pitcher down. Jeremy Hefner stayed in the dugout. On his very next pitch, Peterson allowed a game-tying home run.

Despite the rough seventh inning, it was an excellent outing for Peterson. It was important for him to pitch seven strong innings.

Jose Buttó and Edwin Diaz threw quality innings, which set the table for the Alvarez magic.

The later the game got, the more tense and reminiscent of other losses the game became. But the Mets catcher came up huge for the Mets. That swing could turn into a huge starting point for a postseason push.