MILWAUKEE — You may not believe in magic, but it might be time to start believing in the Mets. For the past three months, it seems like every bounce, call, and moment has gone New York’s way.
A little more than 30 hours ago, the Mets weren’t even sure if they would make the postseason. But New York rode into Atlanta on a three-month onslaught, winning a close game against the rival Braves and clinching a playoff ticket.
And with little sleep and plenty of adrenaline heading into Game 1 of the National League wild-card round, the Mets once again emerge in the brightest of conditions with an 8-4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. I found a way.
It was just days ago that the Mets dropped two of their remaining three games to the Brewers at American Family Field, forcing a make-up doubleheader against the Braves on Monday. The Mets didn’t look like the same team on Tuesday.
“Honestly, it’s tough to be tired when you’re playing in the baseball playoffs,” third baseman Mark Vientos said after the game. “He had a lot of energy. I know we all did.”
Milwaukee took the lead in the first inning by scoring two runs from starter Luis Severino, and the Mets responded by scoring three runs in the second inning. And after the Brewers scored two more runs in the bottom of the fourth to take a 4-3 lead, New York elected to take control of the game in the fifth.
On the Mets’ side, Tyrone Taylor’s one-out double hit the ball into the frame, and Brewers left fielder Jackson Choriot hit the ball on a bad trajectory and over his head. Then, after Francisco Alvarez got a fly ball and Francisco Lindor got a walk, the Mets’ offense came alive.
Second baseman Jose Iglesias hit a sharp line drive to first base, then raced to the bag and dove headfirst into base, beating relief pitcher Joel Peamps. Then, with all eyes on first base, Taylor scored while Payamps had his back turned.
Um, did someone say something about baserunning? What about this hustle that scored from second base with Jose Iglesias’ batting line and Tyron Taylor’s infield hit? It was good.
Mets 4, Brewers 4, Top 5. pic.twitter.com/eNCODDd6if
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) October 1, 2024
This series of events not only resulted in a game-tying shot to make the game 4-4, but a team that has had big moments all year produced another one when they needed it most, sending the Mets dugout into a frenzy. caught up in the whirlpool.
“I think that was probably the biggest (turning point) in the game,” J.D. Martinez said after the win. “Right after that you saw a sudden change in momentum. … Hats off to Iggy. He runs hard every time he hits the ball and is always there. It’s always a bang-bang play in the beginning. And thanks to that. And I think that led us to where we are today.”
Following Iglesias’ hustle RBI, the Mets added four more runs in the fifth inning with two outs. Brandon Nimmo’s infield hit loaded the bases, and Vientos and Martinez followed with RBIs to break up the game and give New York a four-run lead, which they would not relinquish.
One of the Mets’ best traits all season has been their ability to hit with two outs. This year, their offense was top 10 in MLB in hits and average, and bottom 10 in strikeouts in two-out situations. Keeping the lines moving on Tuesday wasn’t just a stroke of luck. That’s what the Mets are.
“We have a lot of depth,” coach Carlos Mendoza said after the game. “We have guys that can not only control strikeouts, but we’ve got guys that can get on base, we’ve got guys that can hit the ball out of the ballpark, we’ve got guys that can put the ball in play. You have to use the whole field if you have to. That’s what happened today.”
What makes the Mets so dangerous these days is that they have a unique ability to ride the emotional waves that occur during games. Even if you are chased, concentrate on counterattacking and maintain a balanced posture. When they hit it big, they explode themselves and pour out their emotions. That is their identity and why they are now on the brink of transitioning into the NLDS.
“I think before the game we talked about our emotions and tried to stay calm,” Vientos said after the game. “JD said, “Those who keep their emotions the most calm will come out on top.”
The Mets, who won Game 1 with their ace on the mound, will head into Game 2 with Sean Manaea, the new star next to Severino in the rotation. And with the wind blowing and the momentum all in their favor, playing one day at a time is not just a platitude for the Mets, it’s all they know right now.
“We are not satisfied,” Severino said. “We know the potential we have in the clubhouse, so we want to go out there and compete.”
