Mets stun Angels 7-5 on July 22, 2025, in a massive comeback win. Francisco Alvarez's return sparks a late rally, with help from Baty & Soto, to erase a 4-0 deficit.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Down 4-0 early with Kodai Senga struggling on the mound, Tuesday night at Citi Field had all the makings of a frustrating loss. But this 2025 Mets team has a different kind of fight. Fueled by the return of a familiar face and a dose of late-inning magic, the Mets stormed back to stun the Los Angeles Angels 7-5, matching their largest comeback of the season and proving once again that no lead is safe in Queens.
In his first game back from Triple-A, Francisco Alvarez sparked the go-ahead rally with a booming eighth-inning double, reminding everyone of the game-changing power he brings to the lineup.
Things looked bleak after Kodai Senga was tagged for four runs in just three innings. But the comeback began with a familiar spark plug: Brett Baty. His two-run blast in the fourth inning breathed life back into the Citi Field crowd. The momentum truly shifted in the seventh when Juan Soto, cool as ever, delivered a clutch two-run single to tie the game. The chaotic eighth inning sealed the deal. After an Alvarez double put the pressure on, a costly throwing error by Angels catcher Logan O'Hoppe allowed the go-ahead run to score, with a Brandon Nimmo sacrifice fly adding a crucial insurance run.
The biggest story entering the night was the return of Francisco Alvarez, and he didn't disappoint. Recalled from Triple-A Syracuse after a torrid stretch where he hit four homers in six games, Alvarez immediately looked like a different player. He showed improved plate discipline, drawing two walks, and then delivered the night's biggest hit: a laser double off the right-field wall to kickstart the winning rally. It was exactly the kind of offensive jolt the Mets hoped for, and a clear sign that his time in the minors paid off.
While the offense provided the fireworks, the bullpen slammed the door. The most heartwarming moment came in the eighth when Brooks Raley, in just his second appearance since returning from Tommy John surgery, pitched a perfect inning and earned his first win since April 2024. Then came the trumpets. Edwin Díaz entered for the ninth and was simply electric, striking out the heart of the Angels' order to lock down his 20th save of the year. After Senga's short outing, the bullpen's scoreless performance was the unsung hero of the victory.
This was more than just one win in late July. It was a statement. A display of resilience, a showcase of bullpen depth with Raley's triumphant return, and a reminder of the dynamic energy Alvarez brings. Now at 57-44 and still just a half-game back in the division, the Mets carry massive momentum. If they can continue to blend this kind of grit with clutch performances, the race for the NL East crown is going to be a thriller all the way to the end.
