Not much has gone right this season for the 40-46 New York Mets.
One of the few bright spots fans have been able to enjoy, however, is the development of catcher Francisco Alvarez.
Alvarez was always a big power hitter in the minor leagues.
However, and understandably so, he had some issues translating that success to the majors initially.
All he needed was some playing time and the trust of the organization, and he has thrived.
Not only has he supplied some much-needed power, but he is also known as “clutch.”
“New York #Mets rookie catcher Francisco Alvarez is Mr. Clutch. He has hit 9 of his 15 HRs in the 6th inning or later, and 7 of his homers have tied the game or given the Mets the lead, with 3 others hit when the Mets were clinging to a 1-run lead,” MLB insider Bob Nightengale tweeted.
New York #Mets rookie catcher Francisco Alvarez is Mr. Clutch.
He has hit 9 of his 15 HRs in the 6th inning or later, and
7 of his homers have tied the game or given the Mets the lead, with 3 others hit when the Mets were clinging to a 1-run lead.— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 6, 2023
Talk about opportunistic and timely hitting!
On Wednesday, Alvarez did it again.
With the Mets down 1-0 and with two outs in the ninth inning, he homered to tie the game and inject new life to New York.
Moments later, outfielder Mark Canha tripled in the go-ahead run and the Mets went from being one strike away from losing to winning a game that seemed lost.
Just like that, Kodai Senga’s masterpiece from the mound (eight innings, one run allowed, 12 strikeouts) wasn’t wasted.
All thanks to Alvarez.
Now, the Mets can say they have won four consecutive games and are finally trending up.
Batting average is not a strength of his, but Alvarez is still slashing a cool .221/.276/.487 with 15 home runs in 2023.
He has been a pleasant surprise for the Mets.
NEXT: Video Shows Off Kodai Senga’s Special Pitch
