The Mets and Giants played a game that just didn't seem to want to end, but the Giants ultimately found a way to win 3-2 in 16 innings. >> Box score
Six things to know about Thursday's game
1) Pete Alonso entered his 16th inning at-bat 0-6. The Mets hadn't scored since the top of the first inning, and and 15 innings later, Alonso delivered with his 32nd home run of the year. The Mets had used all of their available pitchers out of the bullpen and every player off of their bench as well, making it the perfect time for Alonso to deliver in the clutch.
But Chris Mazza couldn't hold the lead. He allowed back-to-back doubles to Alex Dickerson and Brandon Crawford to tie the game at 2-2. The Giants then loaded the bases with nobody out, and Donovan Solano delivered the game-winning single.
2) Noah Syndergaard had his second straight terrific start for the Mets. In the bottom of the second, he allowed a leadoff triple to Dickerson, and then struck out the next two hitters and forced a Kevin Pillar pop-up to get out of the early jam. Syndergaard then hit his stride in the middle innings before allowing another leadoff triple in the seventh to Mike Yastrzemski. After an intentional walk, Syndergaard struck out Bumgarner and forced a flyball out from Brandon Belt.
Syndergaard's night ended after seven strong innings, allowing just six hits while striking out eight.
3) Jeff McNeil was up to his usual habits on Thursday. He continues to be aggressive on the first pitch of games, as he lined Bumgarner's offering into left field for a double. He'd come around to score the Mets' first run on an Alonso double play. In the sixth, McNeil singled to lead off the inning, though he'd be left on base.
4) JD Davis made a huge defensive play in left field in the bottom of the fourth inning. The Giants lined up three singles in the frame to load the bases with one out. Pillar then lined a ball to deep left, but Davis made a leaping catch to prevent the ball from going over his head and getting to the wall. The Giants scored their first run of the game, but Davis saved any further damage.
5) Seth Lugo pitched a spotless eighth inning for the Mets in relief of Syndergaard, striking out two batters. Lugo has become perhaps the most reliable arm in the Mets' pen, having not allowed a run in any of his last seven outings.
Luis Avilan, Edwin Diaz, Jeurys Familia, Robert Gsellman, and Justin Wilson all pitched scoreless appearances.
6) In the top of 10th inning, Robinson Cano singled and Amed Rosario doubled, giving the Mets second and third with no outs. After a Tomas Nido strikeout, Wilson Ramos was intentionally walked. Michael Conforto then struck out as a pinch hitter, setting the stage for McNeil with the bases loaded and two outs. After fouling off a couple of pitched, McNeil went down swinging.
Highlights
Video: Pete Alonso RBI gets Mets on board first
Video: Pete Alonso's 32nd homer puts Mets ahead in 16th
What's next
The Mets and Giants continue their four-game weekend set later on Friday at 10:15 p.m. Jacob deGrom (5-7, 3.21 ERA) toes the rubber against Giants righty Tyler Beede (3-3, 5.44 ERA).
