New York Mets keep playoff journey alive
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Anthony Solis, Director of Social Media | New York Bureau Chief
- October 19, 2024
Mets stave off elimination in Game 5
NEW YORK – This season has been nothing short of miraculous for the Mets, evolving from early frustrations to a thrilling postseason run. And on the verge of elimination, they trotted out the Temptations to sing “My Girl” and the national anthem before Game 5 at Citi Field.
Then slugger Pete Alonso set the tone with a three-run home run in the first inning to put Mets fans on “Cloud 9,” another Temptations hit.
After beating the Dodgers 12-6 in Game 5, the Mets stand at the brink of something extraordinary. Their journey, marked by resilience, key performances, and even a little unexpected magic, has captivated fans throughout New York.
“Honestly, like, this is fun,” Alonso said after Game 5. “Being in playoffs, this is fun baseball. This is what every person in baseball works for in the offseason when you’re lifting weights, conditioning, spring training and earning your right to be here in the regular season.
“These moments like this, this is what we all live for and play for. So this is such a blast. And I think all of us — we’re just relishing in the moment and we’re looking to capitalize on opportunities.”
They’ll be off Saturday before trying to win Game 6 on Sunday at Dodger Stadium to even the best-of-seven National League Championship Series to force a winner-take-all Game 7 on Monday night.
Rough start
Winning three games in a row will be a difficult task. But the 2024 have excelled on overcoming odds already this year.
The Mets faced significant challenges early in the season, struggling with inconsistency that left them 11 games under .500 by June. Injuries, poor performances, and managerial shifts created doubt about the team’s chances of making the playoffs.
However, a crucial midseason addition — veteran infielder José Iglesias — brought stability and leadership to the roster. Iglesias also played a pivotal role in inspiring the team’s rallying cry: the “OMG” movement, which became a symbol of the Mets’ refusal to quit.
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Their turnaround was unexpectedly linked to a lighthearted event in July, Grimace, the McDonald’s mascot, threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Citi Field.
Following that quirky moment, the Mets embarked on a hot streak that earned the nickname “Grimace Magic,” revitalizing their season with a 17-9 run in September, fueled by solid pitching and clutch performances.
Star performers, emerging heroes
The Mets secured a wild-card berth and faced the Brewers in the Wild Card. Pete Alonso’s home run in Game 3 of the Wild Card lifted the team to an emotional series win.
Then the Mets took down their division rival Philadelphia Phillies in the Division Series. They advanced in four games with a thrilling grand slam from Francisco Lindor in the clinching game.
The Mets find themselves in the NLCS for the first time since 2015. They are matched up against the powerful Dodgers, who had the best regular-season record in the NL. The Dodgers won Games 3 and 4 at Citi Field, forcing the Mets to win Game 5 to extend the NLCS.
Francisco Lindor has been the centerpiece of the Mets’ success, putting together an MVP-caliber season both at the plate and in the field. His leadership, combined with clutch hitting, has provided the spark the team needed at critical moments throughout the season and playoffs.
Lindor’s performance has been complemented by Pete Alonso, who may be playing his final season as a Met as he approaches free agency. Alonso’s bat has remained a powerful force in the lineup, helping propel the Mets through multiple elimination games.
One of the biggest surprises of the postseason has been the emergence of Mark Vientos as a playoff hero. Vientos, who saw limited action in the regular season, has come alive in October, delivering key hits in the clutch. His ability to perform on the biggest stage has given the Mets’ offense an extra edge, making him a fan favorite in the process
Mets on verge of history
The Mets’ improbable run exemplifies resilience, teamwork, and belief. Despite their early-season struggles, the squad has embraced the idea of “Why not us?” as they aim to rewrite their postseason narrative.
The Mets are eager to make a statement against the Dodgers and inch closer to their first World Series appearance in nearly a decade.
This playoff run is a testament to how quickly fortunes can change in baseball. Whether through the energy of the “OMG” movement, the magic sparked by Grimace, or the brilliant performances of Lindor, Alonso, and Vientos, the 2024 Mets have defied the odds.
Now, with the series shifting back to Los Angeles, the team and its fans are ready for more magic as they continue their quest for glory at Dodger Stadium on Sunday.
“I mean, it’s so special,” Alonso said of the fans’ chanting his name. “It’s like storybook-type stuff. When you grow up as a kid, you dream about that type of stuff.
“In the moment, it’s so special. But it’s difficult to take a step back and enjoy because it’s, like, OK, great, we’ve got a job to do. We’ve got to finish this game out. We’ve got to keep competing here.”
There is more work to do for the New York Mets.
Anthony Solis
Director of Social Media | New York Bureau Chief
Anthony Solis is a graduate of Penn State University. In 2018, he joined the MLB Players Association and rose to become its Manager of International and Domestic Communications. In 2022, he accepted a Social Media Manager role with RECUR, a groundbreaking NFT company. Solis joined Our Esquina as its Director of Social Media.
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