Inside The Mets

Mets' Pete Alonso shuts down rumor about Wild Card Series home run

In an interview with Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, Pete Alonso denied talking about Devin Williams tipping pitches before his series-clinching home run.

Ezra Lombardi

Oct 3, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) hits a three run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers in the ninth inning during game three of the Wildcard round for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Oct 3, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) hits a three run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers in the ninth inning during game three of the Wildcard round for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images / Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
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New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso cleared the air regarding a previously circulated rumor in an exclusive pitch-by-pitch breakdown with MLB.com's Anthony DiComo.

In the ninth inning of the Mets' Wild Card Series matchup with the Milwaukee Brewers, Alonso hit a dramatic, go-ahead three-run home run off Brewers closer Devin Williams. The iconic moment erased a 2-0 deficit and sent New York to the National League Division Series.

However, an internet controversy stemmed from a video posted by Jomboy Media breaking down the at-bat; the video claimed that Williams, pitching in his final game with Milwaukee, was tipping his pitches. ESPN's broadcast also captured a moment when Alonso conferred with Mets' hitting coach Jeremy Barnes just before the at-bat.

The pair addressed this clip with DiComo, with Barnes stating that "these things are not as blatant as people think they are."

Rather, they were discussing Williams' signature changeup, known as the "Airbender"; Barnes compared the shape of the pitch to a lefty-slider. In the clip, Alonso nods before heading to the plate to deliver his game-winning, five-pitch at-bat where he saw two four-seam fastballs and three changeups. The third, he took deep to right field.

Alonso spoke about the high-level mind game that goes into an at-bat on that stage, describing how he saw Williams' approach.

“He’s going to go down with his strength... everyone, at the end of the day, is always going to use their best stuff,” Alonso said. “When you think of Devin Williams, you think of his changeup.”

While Alonso and Barnes deny the rumor that Williams was tipping his pitches, it is no secret that hitters are looking to gain an advantage based on pitchers' tendencies. Alonso's conversation with DiComo provides insight into the importance of preparation in these high-pressure moments. With the help of his hitting coach, he was able to diagnose the correct tendency of his opponent and execute when it happened.

Read More: New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso wants to set this baseball record

The home run stands as a pivotal moment in a special postseason run. But Alonso looks forward to being in more clutch spots for the Mets.

"Hopefully," he told DiComo, "I'm here to continue to hit way more of these."

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Ezra Lombardi
EZRA LOMBARDI

Ezra Lombardi is a contributing writer for the Mets On SI site. He has previously written for The Lead and the Hamilton College Spectator. He graduated from Hamilton College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy and played football. You can follow him on Twitter @LombardiEzra

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