The New York Mets have looked like the team of destiny this year, coming from behind all season long. They were third amongst MLB teams with 41 comeback wins (8 in the 9th inning) and trailed in all but one of their seven games during the National League Wild Card and Divisional Series.
They found themselves in a similar position, trailing 3-1 in the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but managed to bounce back once again during their 12-6 game 5 win.
“We know where we’re at, back’s against the wall. The attitude. People smiling. That’s who we are. There’s no tomorrow for us. But we’ve been in this situation before. So, nothing new. And the quality of the people, we’re not talking about just the quality of players, but just the makeup and the way they show up every day, and here we are,” said Carlos Mendoza.
New York is still breathing and only needs two more wins to advance to the World Series. Teams that go down 3-1 historically have only moved on 15 percent of the time, but with the Mets, their chances feel a lot higher.
At no point have they shown any desire to call it quits. New York started the season 0-5, and at one point in late May, after being swept by none other than the Dodgers, they were 11 games below .500.
Winning two consecutive do-or-die games probably feels like business as usual for this particular Mets team.
“We’ve faced adversity. We’ve bounced back time and time again over the course of the year. Even if you look at the Wild Card, this group has been so resilient,” said Pete Alonso. “You look at the path of everything; it’s completely unexplainable, but we’re all just happy to have another opportunity to fight another day.”
The Mets have stuck together, and every time along the way, someone new has delivered in the clutch. Alonso hit a ninth-inning three-run homer to give the Mets the lead in a do-or-die Wild Card game 3.
Fransico Lindor’s grand slam to eliminate the Phillies was a sixth inning come from behind dagger, and Mark Vientos is making a name for himself as one of the most dangerous hitters remaining this postseason. His grand slam in game 2 of the NLCS ensured New York did not fall into an 0-2 hole.
“Honestly, it’s just such a special ride,” said Alonso. “When presented with an opportunity, how do you respond, and how do you capitalize? And how we’ve responded and answered the bell every single step of the way this year. It’s been tremendous, and I have no doubt for everybody in the room.”
The Mets are back on the road and can not afford to lose another game. One would think the Dodgers are in a pretty good position, but the Mets have Los Angeles right where they want them.
Lead Photo Caption: NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 17: Harrison Bader #44 of the New York Mets takes the field prior to Game 4 of the NLCS presented by loanDepot between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Thursday, October 17, 2024 in New York, New York. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Benjamin Verbrugge is a reporter for News4usonline who studied journalism at CSU Dominguez Hills. “Sports have brought me much joy throughout my life, and I want to give a little back to something that has meant so much to me.” Email Benjamin at benverbrugge8@gmail.com.
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