Mets Win Big on Friday Thanks to Pete Alonso: What Decision by Juan Soto Cost the Marlins Dearly Against the Power of the ‘Polar Bear’?

The New York Mets extended their winning streak with an emphatic 10-5 victory over the Miami Marlins on a chilly Friday afternoon, and much of the credit goes to the power of Pete Alonso, known fondly as the “Polar Bear.” In a key moment that turned the tide of the game, Alonso delivered a decisive three-run double that punished a questionable strategic move involving Juan Soto.

Pete Alonso delivers under pressure

Throughout the early part of the 2025 season, the Mets have leaned heavily on Pete Alonso to produce in high-stakes moments, and he delivered again in spectacular fashion. After the Marlins intentionally walked Juan Soto to load the bases, seemingly to avoid a risky matchup with Soto, it was Alonso who stepped up with a vengeance.

Alonso, ever the competitor, took it personally. “Alright, let’s go,” he recalled thinking as he stepped into the batter’s box. Just two pitches later, he ripped a three-run double that ignited the home crowd and gave the Mets breathing room in what had been a tightly contested game.

The decision to walk Soto — who has drawn comparisons to Barry Bonds for his disciplined approach at the plate — may have seemed logical. However, it backfired spectacularly, with Alonso capitalizing on the opportunity and swinging momentum in favor of the Mets.

Juan Soto’s walk becomes a turning point

The strategy of protecting a lineup by sandwiching elite hitters has often paid dividends, but this time it worked against the Marlins. By issuing the intentional walk to Juan Soto, Miami essentially gambled that Alonso wouldn’t make them pay. He did — in emphatic style.

Soto’s presence in the lineup is designed not just to get on base, but to create opportunities for other hitters. But in this case, it arguably backfired. Instead of challenging Soto, the Marlins handed him first base and gave Alonso the chance to play hero. For Mets fans, the result was unforgettable — a towering double that cleared the bases and left the Marlins regretting their decision.

“That’s the kind of guy Pete is,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said postgame. “You walk the guy ahead of him? He takes it as a challenge. He wants to be that guy, and today he showed why he’s so dangerous.”

Mets lineup shows depth and resilience

While the highlight belonged to Alonso, the Mets’ offensive production was a full-team effort. Francisco Lindor set the tone early with a home run to the upper deck in right field, while Brandon Nimmo provided a crucial two-run double that gave the Mets their first lead of the day.

Even players like Brett Baty and Hayden Senger — who don’t always steal headlines — contributed with smart base-running and clutch hits. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Senger’s sacrifice turned into a single due to defensive hesitation from the Marlins, keeping the pressure on and setting the stage for Alonso’s heroics.

Despite the cold conditions, with a game-time temperature of 42 degrees and stiff winds at Citi Field, the Mets brought the heat offensively. And while attendance was announced at 28,861, the stands looked far less crowded — likely due to the frigid forecast. Yet those who showed up were treated to a dominant offensive display.

Marlins’ decision-making comes under scrutiny

For the Marlins, the sixth inning unraveled quickly. Reliever Huascar Brazobán gave up three runs in the top half of the inning, bringing Miami within one at 6-5. In response, manager Clayton McCullough opted for right-hander Ronny Henriquez and instructed him to walk Soto intentionally, loading the bases for Alonso.

The gamble? That Henriquez could handle Alonso better than Brazobán could Soto. But that logic crumbled fast. Alonso’s double pushed the score to 9-5, effectively putting the game out of reach. Holmes later added, “It felt like choosing your poison. You pitch to Soto, maybe he gets a hit. You pitch to Alonso, maybe he clears the bases. We rolled the dice.”

Analysts have debated whether the Marlins made the right call. Some argue that Soto’s numbers warranted the walk; others contend that Alonso’s red-hot form made it a miscalculation.

The “Polar Bear” makes his case for MVP

With every clutch hit, Pete Alonso MVP campaign grows stronger. Already leading the league in RBIs and among the top home run hitters, Alonso continues to make a compelling case for MVP honors. Games like this — where he shifts the entire narrative with a single swing — only fuel the buzz around him.

His leadership and consistent ability to produce in crucial moments have made him the emotional and competitive anchor of the Mets. “I don’t care if they walk the guy in front of me or not,” Alonso said. “I’m always ready. That’s my job. To make them pay.”

If Alonso continues at this pace, he won’t just be a fan favorite — he’ll be a lock for end-of-season awards.

Can the Mets sustain this momentum?

After a rocky start to the 2025 campaign, the Mets now find themselves on a six-game winning streak. With key players like Alonso, Soto, Lindor, and Nimmo all firing on offense, and the bullpen tightening up, there’s growing belief that this team can contend deep into the season.

Mets fans, starved for postseason success in recent years, are cautiously optimistic. They’ve seen hot streaks before that fizzled out. But this feels different. This feels like a group that’s figuring out how to win — and having fun while doing it.

The next series against division rivals will provide a clearer picture of whether this streak is a temporary surge or the start of something special. But one thing is clear: when Pete Alonso is locked in, the Mets are very hard to beat.

Conclusion: One swing, big statement

The Marlins may have entered Friday’s game with a plan — walk Soto, minimize damage. But Alonso had other ideas. In a single swing, he erased doubt, crushed strategy, and reaffirmed his position as one of baseball’s most dangerous hitters.

With the crowd roaring, his teammates cheering, and the scoreboard flashing a five-run lead, Alonso jogged back to the dugout knowing he’d just changed the course of the game — and maybe the season.

So next time a team thinks about pitching around Soto, they better be ready for the Polar Bear’s bite.