Pete Alonso came through in the clutch on Wednesday night, launching a game-tying three-run homer in the eighth inning and scoring the go-ahead run in the 11th as the New York Mets edged the Miami Marlins 6-5 in a wild finale at loanDepot park.
With the Mets trailing 4-1 and down to their final four outs, Alonso turned on a 3-2 pitch from Marlins reliever Calvin Faucher and blasted it over the left-field fence to even the score. It capped a nine-pitch at-bat and ignited a Mets rally that would carry into extras.
Alonso finished the game with three hits — all struck at exit velocities of 113 mph or higher — including two doubles and four RBIs. He also drew a leadoff walk in the 11th against Xzavion Curry (0-1), setting the stage for the decisive frame.
Brandon Nimmo followed with a single to load the bases, and Jesse Winker coaxed a walk to force in the go-ahead run. Alonso then came home on a throwing error by Marlins shortstop Xavier Edwards, giving the Mets a 6-4 cushion.
New York needed all of it. Miami clawed back in the bottom half when Edwards, who had a career-high four hits, drove in a run with a single off Danny Young. But Huascar Brazobán, acquired by the Mets in a trade with the Marlins last July, came on with two on and got the final two outs to lock down his first career save in 119 major league appearances.
José Buttó (1-0) was sharp in relief for New York, tossing two perfect innings on just 15 pitches.
Edwards’ night was nearly even bigger. With the score tied at 4 in the bottom of the eighth, he appeared to score the go-ahead run on a ground ball to second baseman Brett Baty. But after a challenge by Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, the replay overturned the safe call at home, ruling Edwards out on a close play.
Juan Soto scored three times for the Mets, who used eight pitchers and improved to 3-3 on their season-opening six-game road trip. New York took two of three from the Marlins after dropping two of three to Milwaukee to start the year.
Griffin Conine added three hits for Miami, which fell to 1-6 on the young season.
The Mets will enjoy a day off Thursday before returning to Citi Field for their home opener Friday against the Toronto Blue Jays. Tylor Megill (1-0) gets the start opposite Kevin Gausman (1-0).
The Marlins head to Atlanta to face the Braves, with rookie Spencer Schwellenbach slated to start for Atlanta. Miami has not yet named its starter.
