The New York Mets went through a challenging two-week journey that would have kept even the greatest storyteller on edge.
They started in New York, then went to Atlanta. After facing consecutive rainouts from Hurricane Helene, they flew north to Milwaukee for the weekend. Then, it was back down to Atlanta for a makeup doubleheader, followed by a return to Milwaukee for the Wild Card Series. Finally, they headed east to Philadelphia for two more playoff games.
Now, they are finally back home at Citi Field for an important Game 3 against the rival Phillies on Tuesday, with the best-of-five NL Division Series tied at 1-1.
“Feels like we’ve been on the road forever,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said.
During this journey, they secured five key wins, had three exciting comebacks, celebrated twice with champagne, and traveled a total of 3,566 miles.
Star shortstop Francisco Lindor mentioned that he had never been on a road trip this intense.
“Incredible. I think you could write a book. You could make a movie,” Mendoza said on Monday while both teams practiced at Citi Field.
When the Mets left on September 22 after a Sunday night win over Philadelphia, their goal was to secure a National League wild card and play long enough in the postseason to return to Queens this year.
They knew it wouldn’t be easy. With all the highs they’ve experienced recently, it’s easy to overlook that the Mets are just 5-6 since their last home game.
But now they’re here.
“We’ve had to go through a lot of things just to get here,” said left-hander Sean Manaea, who is set to start Game 3 against Aaron Nola, with a struggling Alec Bohm back in the Phillies’ lineup.
“We just keep believing, and we’re here. All we have to do is get our foot in the door and let’s see what happens. We’re at that point. It’s been a crazy ride.”
