Francisco Alvarez's triumphant return on July 23, 2025, sparked the Mets to a 3-2 win over the Angels with a go-ahead homer. Read how his bat won the game.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
You couldn't have scripted it better. In his first game back in the bigs, Francisco Alvarez stepped to the plate and did exactly what he was sent down to rediscover: change the game with one swing. His go-ahead two-run home run was the centerpiece of a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels, extending the Mets' winning streak to three and injecting a massive dose of energy into a team now breathing down the necks of the Phillies for the NL East lead.
Francisco Alvarez was officially recalled to the Mets after hitting .299 with 11 home runs in 21 games for Triple-A Syracuse. He immediately hit a two-run homer in his first game back.
The buzz at Citi Field was palpable from the moment the lineup card dropped. After a dominant 21-game stint in Syracuse where he looked every bit the top prospect, Francisco Alvarez was back. He wasted no time reminding Queens what they'd been missing. The two-run shot was the difference-maker, but it represented more than just two runs; it was a jolt of confidence for a lineup that needed another impact bat. The clubhouse celebrations seen on social media after the game said it all—the kid is a beloved part of this team, and his power is a game-changer.
While Alvarez's homer stole the headlines, this was a classic, gritty Mets win. David Peterson was brilliant on the mound, carving up the Angels' lineup for six innings and racking up 7 strikeouts while allowing just two runs. Pete Alonso provided the other crucial piece of offense with an RBI single. And how about the little things? Juan Soto's stolen base in the sixth wasn't just a smart play; it set a new franchise record with 21 consecutive successful steals. To cap it all off, Ryan Stanek came in and slammed the door for his second save in three days, getting the legendary Mike Trout for the final, heart-pounding out.
The good news wasn't just confined to Flushing. The organization officially signed its 2025 first-round pick, power-hitter Mitch Voit, who will begin his journey at Port St. Lucie. His signing reinforces the front office's focus on acquiring analytical-friendly bats. Meanwhile, the current crop of prospects is thriving. Top arm Jonah Tong continues his absurd dominance in Double-A, leading all of the minors with 132 strikeouts. His success is a major reason why Baseball Prospectus just named four Mets—Jett Williams, Tong, Carson Benge, and Nolan McLean—to its midseason Top 50 prospects list. The farm system is officially a strength.
What a day to be a Mets fan. The big league club is firing on all cylinders, the division lead is within arm's reach, a star catcher is back with a vengeance, and the future of the organization looks brighter than ever. With momentum on their side and the trade deadline approaching, the Mets are perfectly positioned for a thrilling second-half push. All eyes are on the rest of this homestand as they look to keep the pressure on the Phillies and claim their spot atop the NL East.
