The New York Mets delivered a jaw-dropping rally at Wrigley Field, storming back from a five-run deficit to defeat the Chicago Cubs 9-7 in a game that could define the National League Wild Card race. With the Mets now clinging to a one-game lead for the final playoff spot, Tuesday night’s thriller was packed with drama, heroics, and high stakes.
Francisco Alvarez’s Heroics Ignite Mets’ Largest Comeback of 2025
Trailing 6-1 in the fifth inning and seemingly out of contention, the Mets refused to fold.
Francisco Alvarez, the young catcher who’s battled injuries and a stint in the minors this season, blasted a two-out, two-run homer in the eighth inning off Cubs reliever Caleb Thielbar. That shot gave the Mets a 9-7 lead—their first since the opening frame—and capped their biggest comeback win of the year.
Alvarez’s clutch performance was the exclamation point on a night when the Mets’ offense came alive at just the right moment. “It’s been a tough year for me, but moments like this make it all worth it,” Alvarez said postgame, his smile as big as his home run swing.
Lindor and Nimmo Power the Rally
The Mets’ rally was a true team effort.
Francisco Lindor set the tone with a leadoff homer—his 29th of the season and 30th career leadoff blast—off Cubs rookie Cade Horton. Lindor later drove in another run with a sixth-inning single, briefly giving the Mets a 7-6 lead.
Brandon Nimmo delivered the game’s turning point in the fifth, launching a three-run homer to tie the score at 6-all. Nimmo’s 25th home run of the season was a no-doubter, sending the Mets’ dugout into a frenzy and Cubs fans into stunned silence.
Cubs’ Collapse Continues as Playoff Hopes Fade
For the Cubs, the loss was their fifth straight, coming on the heels of a four-game sweep in Cincinnati. Despite a strong start—highlighted by
Nico Hoerner’s three hits and four runs scored, and
Ian Happ’s two-run double—the Cubs’ bullpen couldn’t hold the lead. Horton, the promising rookie, exited after just three innings due to back tightness, leaving the Cubs scrambling for answers.
The Cubs’ defense also faltered, with a costly throwing error by Jeff McNeil allowing another run to score in the fourth. As the pressure mounts, Chicago’s grip on the Wild Card is slipping fast.
What’s Next: Wild Card Race Heats Up
With the Cincinnati Reds losing to Pittsburgh, the Mets (81-76) now hold a precarious one-game lead for the final NL Wild Card spot. Every game down the stretch is critical, and the Mets’ resilience on Tuesday could be the spark they need to secure a postseason berth.
The series continues with the Cubs sending All-Star lefty
Matthew Boyd (13-8, 3.20 ERA) to the mound, while the Mets counter with rookie right-hander
Jonah Tong (2-2, 5.94 ERA).
Takeaways and Implications
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Mets’ offense is peaking at the right time, with Lindor, Nimmo, and Alvarez all delivering in clutch moments.
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Cubs’ bullpen and defense are unraveling just as the playoff race intensifies.
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Every game is now must-win territory for both teams, with the Wild Card spot hanging in the balance.
If Tuesday’s game is any indication, the Mets and Cubs are set for a wild finish to the regular season. Buckle up, baseball fans—October drama is arriving early.
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