CHICAGO — Moments after Francisco Alvarez’s go-ahead, two-run homer cleared the Wrigley Field ivy in the eighth inning Tuesday, he paused at first base, turned to his teammates in the dugout and screamed.
Alvarez had just authored the most significant hit of New York’s season to date, leading the Mets to a 9-7 win over the Cubs and placing them back in control of their own playoff destiny. The victory, combined with the Reds’ loss to the Pirates, moved the Mets one game ahead of Cincinnati in the National League Wild Card race with five to play. The Diamondbacks, who began the night a game back of both teams, began their game later Tuesday.
After David Peterson allowed five runs in 1 1/3 innings to thrust the Mets in an early hole, they took advantage of a crucial Cubs mistake to tie things in the fifth. When shortstop Dansby Swanson booted a potential inning-ending double-play ball from Alvarez, the Mets responded with an RBI groundout, a walk, an RBI single and a Brandon Nimmo game-tying, three-run homer.
The Mets and Cubs traded runs in the sixth inning before Brett Baty led off the eighth with a single. Then, with two outs, Alvarez parked his go-ahead homer into the seats.
His ability to do so was noteworthy for more than just the change in lead. Alvarez is playing through both a sprained UCL in his right thumb, which will require surgery after the season, and a broken left pinky. During the Mets’ last homestand, Alvarez took a 100 mph fastball off his left elbow and was back in the lineup the next day.
