In New York, on Thursday night, it is approaching make-or-break time for the Mets.
After being shutout by the Los Angeles Dodgers for the second time in the series, the Mets trail 2-1 and the next two nights in the Big Apple are crucial.
GettyMets fans face a crucial Thursday night Game 4[/caption]
As NLCS baseball returned to CITI Field for the first time in nine years, New York Mets fans were filled with excitement.
After a crushing 9-0 loss in Game 1 of the series the Mets won a dramatic Game 2, leaving the series tied at 1-1 as they headed to the East coast.
Another hammering, this time 8-0, left Mets fans with nightmares of the 2015 World Series against the Kansas City Royals.
Francisco Alvarez decided to throw the ball to second base, rather than getting the sure out at first, which ultimately allowed both runners to be safe, and then Luis Severino bobbled a double-play ball to the very next batter.
The 22-year-old did have a chance to rectify his mistake the following inning, but struck out with the bases loaded and one out.
A series of defensive errors in the second inning left Mets fans reminiscing on the series of defensive blunders that ultimately cost them the championship in 2015.
Almost a decade ago, Yoenis Cespedes’ dropped catch on the first pitch of the series, allowed Alcides Escobar to score and foreshadowed what was to come for the Mets.
Daniel Murphy’s error where the ball dribbled under his glove in Game 4 allowed the Royals to come back and take a 3-1 series lead.
In the final game with the Mets leading in the penultimate inning, Lucas Duda made a wide throw to home plate allowing the Royals to tie the game.
They would eventually win the game, and snatch a World Series away from the Mets extending their wait for success.
On Wednesday night, in the postgame press conference, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza defended his 22-year-old catcher.
“Alvy’s playing tomorrow.” Mendoza said, silencing his doubters and ensuring his trust in his young charge.
Alvarez signed for the Mets as an international free agent in 2018, and quickly rose to the Mets top prospect, and the #6 in all of baseball.
The Venezuelan made his major league debut in 2022, hitting the first home run of his career against the Washington Nationals in the season finale.
Alvarez started 2023 in the minor leagues but was promoted before the All-Star break and hit 23 home runs to finish the year.
The Venezuelan catcher started 2024 well before a thumb injury sidelined him for five weeks, and upon return, things didn’t get going.
“He’s a good hitter, he’s a good player,” Alvarez added.
GettyCarlos Mendoza has given Alvarez his backing[/caption]
“I think offensively he is late making his move, which is why we see him late on fastballs and chasing offspeed
“We are also facing an elite pitching staff. He will come through for us.”
The Mets now face an up-hill task, needing three wins in the next four games to reach the season showpiece.
With two to be played in Los Angeles it makes things all the more intense for Mendoza’s men who are aiming to reach a World Series for the first time since that fateful date nine years ago.
Prior to the Royals disappointment, their last appearance in a World Series was in 2000 when they faced the New York Yankees in a ‘Subway Series’ matchup – and were soundly beaten
They have won two World Series’ in the organisation’s history, in 1969 and 1986 respectively – but if there is one thing that baseball fans have learned about the Mets, never count them out.
