Alonso’s Unlikely Home Run Fuels Mets’ Victory in NLCS Game 5

NEW YORK — In a display of remarkable skill, Pete Alonso, the New York Mets‘ first baseman, launched a home run that set the momentum for his team’s critical win against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series. The 432-foot home run in the first inning was not the result of a pitching mistake by Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty, but rather a demonstration of exceptional hitting talent.

“I was just looking for something over the middle of the plate,” Alonso commented, reflecting on his unexpected connection with Flaherty’s pitch, which was only 1.12 feet above the ground. “I didn’t really realize how low the pitch was. I got caught a little out front. … Honestly, it’s inexplainable. It’s the magic of the postseason. And I’m just happy I squared it up.”

The Mets’ offense fired on all cylinders following Alonso’s homer, achieving a rare feat of not striking out throughout the game, a first in a postseason game since the 2002 World Series. “We didn’t strike out?” Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo exclaimed, highlighting the team’s exceptional performance.

Jack Flaherty, who had previously shut out the Mets over seven innings in Game 1, struggled during Game 5, exiting after just three innings and allowing eight runs. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza noted his team’s strategy against Flaherty’s secondary pitches, stating, “We didn’t chase his secondary pitches. We know he’s got that slider and the knuckle curve, and he’s going to try to make us chase, and we didn’t do that today. And when he came in the zone with his fastball, we were ready, and that’s the key.”

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts disclosed that Flaherty was not at his peak physical state during the game. “He wasn’t sharp, clearly,” Roberts said, citing unspecified health issues affecting Flaherty’s performance.

Despite Flaherty’s shortened performance, the Mets seized their opportunity, with significant contributions from Starling Marte, who delivered four hits, and Francisco Lindor, who emphasized quality at-bats and intensity in the must-win game.

“The quality of at-bats that we had,” Lindor said when asked about the change in the Mets’ performance from their previous loss. “The intensity that we came with. We understood it was a do-or-die game, and we had to give everything that we had. And we did.”

New York’s bullpen was crucial in securing the win, with pitcher Ryne Stanek going for his longest stint of the season, along with Seth Lugo wrapping up the final innings. The victory forces a Game 6 back in Los Angeles, where the Mets will benefit from top starter Max Scherzer on the mound, while the Dodgers plan to utilize a bullpen-centric approach.

“We’ve had our backs against the wall all season,” Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez remarked. “Why should this be any different?”