Francisco Alvarez's homer sparks a 3-2 Mets comeback win over the Angels on July 23, 2025. See how Alvarez, Nimmo & Stanek stunned Trout's Angels.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you thought the summer heat was the only thing sizzling in Queens, the New York Mets delivered a jolt of pure electricity on Wednesday night. In a game that felt like a microcosm of their season—gritty, resilient, and full of heart—the Amazin's clawed their way back to beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-2, sparked by the triumphant return of a familiar face.
With the game on the line, two outs, and two on, Ryne Stanek stared down future Hall of Famer Mike Trout and slammed the door shut. That's how you earn your stripes in New York.
All eyes were on Francisco Alvarez, back in the bigs after a tune-up in the minors, and he did not disappoint. Down 2-0 in the fifth inning, Alvarez stepped to the plate and unleashed the swing Mets fans have been dreaming of, launching a towering two-run homer to tie the game. It was his first long ball at Citi Field in 2025, a cathartic blast that sent a message: he's back, and he means business. The energy in the ballpark shifted in that single moment, paving the way for Brandon Nimmo's clutch go-ahead RBI single just moments later.
While Alvarez's homer grabbed the headlines, this was a true team win. It started in the very first inning when Juan Soto, continuing his stellar defensive season, gunned down a runner at the plate to deny Mike Trout his 999th career RBI. That play set the tone. On the mound, Frankie Montas battled into the sixth inning to earn his third consecutive win, proving to be a steadying force in the rotation. Even on a quiet night for Pete Alonso (0-for-4), the rest of the lineup found a way to manufacture just enough offense.
The ninth inning brought the kind of high-stakes drama that defines a season. With two on and two out, manager Carlos Mendoza called on Ryne Stanek to face the legendary Mike Trout. Stanek didn't flinch. He attacked the Angels' superstar, inducing the final out to lock down his second save in just three days. In a bullpen that has been searching for reliable late-inning arms, Stanek is quickly and forcefully making his case as 'the guy'.
The win wasn't just about one game; it's about the bigger picture. The Mets have now won three straight, playing a smart and aggressive brand of baseball. They extended their incredible stolen base streak to 21 consecutive successful attempts, a testament to their preparation and execution. While the trade front was quiet today and no new roster moves were made, the team on the field is gelling. With a farm system ranked in the top half of the league and prospects like Jett Williams and Jonah Tong developing, the present is exciting and the future looks bright.
Three wins in a row. A returning player providing a massive spark. A closer emerging in high-leverage moments. The vibe around this Mets team is shifting. They're finding ways to win, and they're doing it with a swagger we've been waiting to see. As they continue this homestand, the question isn't just can they keep it going, but how high can this momentum carry them as the trade deadline looms?
