Pete Alonso’s clutch blast sends Mets to NLDS in Game 3 wild card thriller

· New York Post

If there was ever a time for Pete Alonso to deliver his latest signature Mets moment, the ninth inning of Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series — in perhaps his final game with the franchise before hitting free agency — was certainly it.

Pete Alonso homered for the Mets in the ninth inning on Oct. 3. Imagn Images
Pete Alonso and the Mets celebrate their homer in the ninth inning on Oct. 3. Getty Images

Alonso’s three-run homer in the ninth inning — with one out, and the Mets’ offense all but silent for most of the night — turned a two-run deficit into a one-run lead in what ended up being a thrilling 4-2 victory on Wednesday night that salvaged their season and sent the Amazin’s to the divisional round against the Phillies.

Jose Quintana celebrates after completing the sixth inning on Oct. 3. Jason Szenes for the NY Post
The Brewers eliminated the Mets in Game 3 on Oct. 3. Jason Szenes for the NY Post

His blast helped overcome back-to-back Milwaukee homers surrendered by Jose Butto — allowed on back-to-back pitches — in the seventh inning, with Jake Bauers and Sal Frelick connected on the home runs against Butto, who took over on the mound after Jose Quintana opened with six scoreless innings for the Mets.