Just a year after the Mets missed the playoffs altogether after committing around $500 million to free agents, they entered the National League Championship Series. In the decisive fourth game at Citi Field, it initially appeared that the Mets were destined to squander any potential opportunity. New York had the bases loaded and one out in the first inning, only for Jose Iglesias and J.D. Martinez to strike out. Martinez hit a double in the third inning to erase a rally. The Phillies then scored in the bottom of the fourth inning on an error by third baseman Mark Vientos. Sure enough, the Mets squandered another opening double play in the fifth inning.

Francisco Lindor Mr. Smile Ladies Boyfriend Shirt

But at the end of the sixth inning, everything changed. A single, hit ball and a walk produced the run for Lindor, and he performed in the greatest way possible. Lindor’s strong home run held, even though the Phillies mounted a counterattack in the ninth inning. Edwin Diaz walked the first two batters, before missing and flying the ball. And in a year where his speed has dropped significantly, he’s shown that he can still accelerate when needed. With the score 1-2 against the always formidable Kyle Schwarber, Diaz accelerated to 101mph in the match and ended the series.

It’s easy to forget now that the Mets suffered their last loss of the season, their last two foul balls of the season, to Devin Williams and the Milwaukee Brewers in the playoff series. And Pete Alonso hit one of the most unbelievable home runs in postseason history to advance to the NLDS. They entered the series with Philadelphia as significant underdogs, thanks to their starting pitching advantage and the Phillies’ formidable lineup. And they won in four, starting with Sean Manaea, Jose Quintana, Kodai Senga after a long break, and Luis Severino.