On Monday, Pete Alonso edged closer to setting a new New York Mets home run record, hitting his 251st career homer, just one shy of Darryl Strawberry’s franchise mark. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Guardians continued their unexpected playoff drive by edging the Mets 7-6 in a tense 10-inning battle at Citi Field.
Guardians Seek Series Victory with Key Pitching Matchup Ahead
As the three-game interleague series continues, the Guardians look to secure a series win on Tuesday with left-hander Logan Allen set to face Met starter Clay Holmes. Allen, who carries a 7-9 record and a 4.06 ERA this season, has yet to face the Mets, while Holmes holds a 9-6 record with a 3.45 ERA. Both starters are expected to play pivotal roles in this closely contested matchup.
Game Highlights Spotlight Alonso and Guardians’ Resilience
Gabriel Arias powered the Guardians’ offense with a home run and four RBIs, contributing significantly to their comeback after surrendering a five-run lead earlier in the game. Alonso’s three-run homer in the sixth ignited the Mets’ rally, sparking a comeback that tied the game by the eighth inning. He also added an RBI single in the eighth but was later struck out in the ninth as the Mets failed to capitalize with the bases loaded.
The Guardians ultimately scored twice in the tenth inning. Daniel Schneemann, running as the automatic base runner, scored on a throwing error by Mets third baseman Brett Baty, followed by Arias’s sacrifice fly, sealing the victory. This triumph extends Cleveland’s surge to a 17-7 record since July 7, marking the third-best run in Major League Baseball during this period.
Guardians’ Remarkable Playoff Surge Despite Adversity
Cleveland’s playoff hopes have surged dramatically, moving within 2 1/2 games of the American League’s final wild-card spots held by the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners. Once trailing by seven games as of July 6, the Guardians have overcome the loss of starting pitcher Luis L. Ortiz and closer Emmanuel Clase, both sidelined due to gambling investigations.
“We just need to get in,”
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said.
“We just want to get in the dance and give ourselves a chance. I love the way our guys are playing. We just need to continue to be us every single day.”
—Stephen Vogt, Guardians manager
Mets’ Playoff Path Growing More Challenging
Meanwhile, the Mets have struggled since mid-June, dropping from baseball’s best record at 45-24 on June 12 to a disappointing 18-26 in subsequent games. They now hold the second National League wild-card spot but trail the Philadelphia Phillies by 1 1/2 games in the NL East, matching their largest deficit since early July.
Despite these difficulties, Alonso expressed confidence in the team’s fight and determination during Monday’s game. After a heavy loss to the Giants the day before, Alonso noted the Mets’ resilience in battling back rather than collapsing.
“I think it’d be more concerning if we just kind of got blown out 5-0,”
Alonso said.
“But for us to kind of battle back and keep fighting, that’s a lot of good signs.”
—Pete Alonso, Mets first baseman
Pitching Matchups and Recent Performances
Logan Allen earned a victory in his last outing by limiting the Colorado Rockies to two runs over seven innings, showcasing his potential impact for the Guardians in the series against the Mets. On the other side, Clay Holmes, who recently suffered a defeat after allowing four runs in a short outing against the San Diego Padres, will look to bounce back. Holmes holds a 0-1 record with a 4.05 ERA and three saves in ten relief appearances against Cleveland.
Implications of the Series and Playoff Outlook
This series carries significant weight for both clubs as the Guardians aim to continue their late-season momentum and secure a postseason berth, while the Mets strive to maintain their position in the crowded National League playoff race. Alonso’s pursuit of the Mets home run record adds additional intrigue, symbolizing a personal milestone amid the team’s struggles. Tuesday’s game will be crucial in shaping the playoff landscape as these contending teams fight for advantage in the closing stages of the regular season.