Jose Quintana takes the mound for Game 3 after Pete Alonso's clutch three-run homer leads the Mets to a thrilling 4-2 win over the Brewers
José Quintana delivered an impressive performance, pitching six scoreless innings with 94 pitches (54 strikes), allowing just four hits, walking one, and striking out five. Yes, Pete Alonso’s dramatic three-run homer in the ninth inning stole the spotlight in the Mets’ 4-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. However, that should not warrant overlooking Quintana’s strong start in Game 3.
Among the Mets’ starters in the Brewers vs. Mets series, all of whom pitched well, José Quintana, at 35, had the most standout performance. Though Pete Alonso’s heroics earned much-deserved praise, Quintana’s contribution was equally critical.
Like Alonso’s clutch homer, Quintana’s performance came just when the team needed it most. His strong finish to the season followed some mid-year struggles, making his efforts even more crucial. Quintana’s season mirrored the Mets’ overall journey in many ways, making it a truly “special” season.
“Looking at the numbers, the matchup wasn’t in our favor,” Carlos Mendoza reflected on his decision to let Quintana pitch into the sixth inning.
“Especially in that sixth inning with the three big righties coming up [but] I was like, ‘I’m gonna keep going with him. I like what I’m seeing.’ When he’s on, he’s getting weak ground balls, he’s getting chases with his off-speed pitches and he went out there and did it.”
Here are José Quintana’s 2024 Season Stats:
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Up next for the New York Mets is a showdown with the NL East champions, the Philadelphia Phillies, in the NLDS, set to begin Saturday at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. It will mark the first postseason battle between these long-time rivals, who have met nearly 1,100 times during the regular season.
New York capped off a whirlwind week with their second champagne celebration, a fitting end to a stretch of five games in just four days. Moreover, they had to split a doubleheader on Monday to secure their spot in the playoffs. After being 11 games under .500 in June, the Mets rallied during the summer, eventually winning their first playoff series since 2015.
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Picture Credit: © Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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