Pete Alonso has big goals for the Mets.
New York has worked its way back into playoff contention with wins in 13 of its last 14 games and Alonso believes the team should be aiming for something more than a wild-card spot.
"It's been awesome,” Alonso told reporters Wednesday. “I think we have a chance to really do something great. We've got some really tough games ahead of us, but let's say, we keep this up, and win all six or win five out of six, that's going to put us not just in wild card talks, (but will give us a) chance to win the division."
"We got a really awesome chance to do something really special"
— SNY (@SNYtv) August 7, 2019
Pete Alonso says if the team keeps rolling, anything is possible 🐻❄️ pic.twitter.com/82J4giXpM1
New York was 11 games under .500 in mid-July but is just one game out of the second National League wild-card spot after completing a sweep of the Marlins with a 7-2 victory Wednesday at Citi Field.
Alonso, 24, hit three home runs against the Marlins to up his 2019 total to 37.
“We've got a really awesome chance to do something really special and make a … run towards the end,” Alonso said. “We're just going to keep playing ball and see what happens."
The Mets will host the Nationals for three games this weekend before traveling to Atlanta for a three-game set. They trail the Braves by 8 1/2 games in the division while Washington is leading the wild-card race.
"The things that we've been through are going to allow us to be a better team than we otherwise would have been down this stretch," Mets manager Mickey Callaway told reporters after the win over Miami. "We're trying to accomplish something as a team, together, that can be very special. And then the things that we've gone through, some rough patches, have only brought us closer together.
"There is a silver lining to our struggles. But, we've got to perform. You can be the closest-knit group you want, and you still have to perform. That's what we've been doing lately."
"The things that we've been through... allow us to be a better team"
— SNY (@SNYtv) August 7, 2019
Mickey Callaway thinks this team can "accomplish something special" pic.twitter.com/h2piMs6Jq7
New York will send newly acquired Marcus Stroman to the mound for the series opener Friday against the Nationals, who will counter with Stephen Strasburg.