Pete Alonso’s Decisive Moment: A Sacrifice Fly in the Final Inning Leads Mets to a 4-3 Victory Over the Pirates

For the New York Mets, the first six innings of a game might as well be a warm-up act.

It’s not that the Mets underperform early—they’re more than competent. But something shifts dramatically once the seventh inning arrives. It’s as if a switch flips, the momentum turns, and this team morphs into an unstoppable force. That narrative was on full display Monday night at Citi Field, where the Mets overcame top prospect Paul Skenes, their own defensive blunders, and the tension of a tie game to walk off the Pittsburgh Pirates in a thrilling 4-3 win.

The hero? None other than Pete Alonso, whose sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth sealed the Mets’ fourth walk-off win of the season. More importantly, it emphasized what has become the defining trait of this squad: the Mets dominate late games like no one else in baseball.

Mets Are MLB’s Best Team from the Seventh Inning Onward

A quick look at the numbers tells the story. From the seventh inning through the ninth:

• The Mets lead the entire league with a +27 run differential.

• They are first in batting average, slugging percentage, and OPS.

• They are tied for first in total runs scored during those innings.

These aren’t just nice stats—they’re game-changing. The Mets are outscoring teams in the late innings more effectively than any other team in baseball, which makes them a dangerous opponent no matter the score through six.

“We don’t give up,” said Pete Alonso after the win. “We’re a scrappy bunch.” And it’s true. This Mets lineup, anchored by sluggers and savvy veterans alike, doesn’t just rely on power. They fight, grind, and capitalize on mistakes, like they did Monday night when a Pirates error helped open the door for the late rally.

How It Happened: Late-Game Drama at Citi Field

The Mets didn’t play a perfect game. Far from it. A couple of defensive miscues in the top of the ninth allowed the Pirates to tie the score at 3-3. But instead of folding under pressure, the Mets responded the way they have so often this year—with composure and clutch execution.

In the bottom of the ninth:

• Francisco Lindor reached base on an error.

• Juan Soto followed with a sharp single to set the stage.

• Pete Alonso lifted a fly ball to right field that was deep enough to score Lindor and secure the walk-off win.

This was not a one-off. It was New York’s 15th walk-off win in their last 96 home games, dating back to last season. That translates to one walk-off win every 6.4 home games—an incredibly consistent pattern of late-game success.

Veteran Poise: The Mets Know How to Finish

Much of this late-inning magic can be attributed to experience and mental toughness, two things that the Mets roster has in spades. Brandon Nimmo, who made a crucial leaping catch in the eighth inning to rob Joey Bart of a possible home run, summed it up perfectly:

“The more experience that you can get in this game, I think the less pressure you put on a situation… realizing that it’s not always going to work out, and that you’re just going to give it your best shot—is what allows you to play with freedom.”

That sense of freedom and composure is what allows the Mets to stay calm in high-leverage spots. While other teams tense up, the Mets thrive. Their late-game offense isn’t fueled by desperation—it’s fueled by confidence and clarity.

The Identity of the 2025 Mets: Grit Over Glamour

While the Mets certainly have star power—Alonso, Lindor, Soto, Nimmo—their true identity lies in their tenacity. This isn’t a team that blows you out early and coasts. Instead, they drag teams into deep water and drown them late. That’s why they’ve become so dangerous.

“We’ve got guys who can drive the ball out of the yard,” Alonso explained. “But at the end of the day, our identity is we’re just a scrappy team. We fight to the last out.”

It’s a mantra that resonates through the clubhouse and plays out on the field night after night.

The Pete Alonso Factor: A Leader of Clutch Moments

Pete Alonso has long been the heart and soul of this franchise. But his evolution into a leader of clutch moments has taken his value to another level. Whether it’s hitting late-inning homers, drawing critical walks, or delivering the game-winning sac fly, Alonso has become Mr. Reliable when the pressure peaks.

Monday night’s walk-off wasn’t flashy, but it was vintage Alonso—calm, calculated, and effective. It capped another chapter in his growing book of Mets heroics.

The Bullpen: Unsung Heroes of the Late Surge

While the offense grabs headlines, the bullpen deserves major credit. They’ve consistently held games close enough for the bats to rally. Despite occasional hiccups, the relief corps has kept opponents in check late in games, allowing the Mets to mount comebacks or protect slim leads.

Veterans like Adam Ottavino and rising stars like Reed Garrett have played critical roles in the Mets’ late-inning dominance. Without their steadiness, all the offense in the world wouldn’t matter.

Can the Mets Sustain This Formula?

The big question now is whether this formula is sustainable over a 162-game grind—and into October.

The Mets’ ability to consistently deliver late-game wins gives them a postseason edge. In the playoffs, where most games are tight and tense, the ability to perform under pressure is invaluable. If the Mets can keep this up, they won’t just be playoff contenders—they’ll be serious World Series threats.

Looking Ahead: Schedule, Stakes, and Momentum

After a sluggish start to the season, the Mets are now riding a surge of late-inning momentum. Their upcoming schedule includes key matchups against division rivals, and every win counts in a tight NL East race.

If this trend continues, the Mets could find themselves climbing the standings quickly—powered not by fast starts, but by furious finishes.

Final Thoughts: Welcome to the Mets’ Danger Zone — the 7th Inning and Beyond

Forget the first half of the game. With the 2025 Mets, the real show begins in the seventh inning.

They may not dominate from the first pitch, but they’ve mastered the art of finishing strong. From Pete Alonso’s sac flies to Francisco Lindor’s clutch base running to Juan Soto’s steady presence at the plate, this team is built for late drama.