Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor broke their slumps to lead the Mets over the Angels 6-3 on July 23, 2025. Alonso's historic HR powers a key series sweep.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was the collective exhale Queens has been waiting for. In a single afternoon, the New York Mets saw two of their cornerstone stars, Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor, shake off prolonged and painful slumps to power the team to a 6-3 victory and a three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Angels. With the win, the Mets improved to a stellar 58-44, providing a jolt of momentum as major decisions loom.
With his 248th career home run, Pete Alonso is now just four shy of tying Darryl Strawberry for the Mets' all-time franchise record.
The weight of the world seemed to lift off the Mets' infield on Wednesday. Francisco Lindor, mired in a career-worst 0-for-31 skid, finally broke through with a sharp RBI single in the third inning. But the main event was Pete Alonso. Having managed just two hits since July 10, the Polar Bear woke from his hibernation with a thunderous three-run blast in the fifth inning that proved to be the game-winner. It was a cathartic moment for the players and fans alike, reminding everyone just how quickly this lineup can change a game when its leaders are locked in.
While the win was crucial, Alonso's home run carried historical weight. It was his first since July 8 and the 248th of his Mets career, moving him to within striking distance of a hallowed franchise record. He now trails only Darryl Strawberry (252) for the most home runs in team history. With the slump seemingly behind him, the chase is officially on, and every at-bat becomes must-see TV as he closes in on becoming the Mets' all-time Home Run King.
The offensive outburst was supported by a gutsy performance from Sean Manaea. In just his second start back from injury, Manaea delivered five solid innings, allowing only one run while striking out five to earn his first win as a Met. His stability is a welcome sight for a rotation that has been tested by injuries all season. At the back end, Edwin Díaz was called upon for a four-out save, his 21st of the year, slamming the door with his signature dominance.
Even as the team celebrates a sweep, the front office is hard at work. With the trade deadline fast approaching, President of Baseball Operations David Stearns is actively scouring the market for bullpen reinforcements. Names like Griffin Jax are reportedly on the radar to address the team's control issues. The urgency is heightened by Edwin Díaz's potential opt-out after the season. While outside help is being sought, an internal option may be emerging in Jonathan Pentaro, a former independent league arm who is turning heads in Double-A and could be a near-term call-up.
The Mets will ride the high of this sweep straight into a pivotal six-game West Coast road trip, starting Friday in San Francisco. With the team firing on all cylinders and the trade deadline just days away, this trip could define their second-half trajectory. All eyes will be on the opener as Clay Holmes (8-5, 3.48 ERA) faces off against the Giants' ace, Logan Webb (9-7, 3.08 ERA).
