In a poignant display of resilience and determination, New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea took to the mound in Game 3 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies with a heavy heart. Just hours before the game at Citi Field, he received devastating news: his aunt had passed away. Yet, in the face of personal tragedy, Manaea delivered one of the finest performances of his career, propelling the Mets to a crucial 7-2 victory.

A Tribute to Aunt Mabel

With his beloved aunt’s memory in mind, Manaea showcased remarkable composure and skill, dominating the Phillies lineup over seven innings. He struck out six batters, allowed only three hits, and gave up just one run, proving to be an invaluable asset on the mound. After exiting the game, Manaea honored his aunt by kissing the sky, dedicating his performance to her. “That was for my Aunt Mabel,” he said, reflecting on the bittersweet nature of the game. “Just got a message that she had passed away early this morning. And, yeah, so that game was for her.”

The win not only provided Manaea with a personal victory but also positioned the Mets a step closer to advancing to the NLCS for the first time since 2015, leading the series 2-1.

Redemption Against the Phillies

This pivotal moment against the Phillies also marked a significant redemption for Manaea, who previously faced them in the 2022 playoffs while playing for the San Diego Padres. In that outing, he struggled mightily, allowing five earned runs in just 1 1/3 innings, leading to a 10-6 loss for the Padres. However, that setback proved to be a turning point in his career. During the offseason, Manaea dedicated himself to improving his game, working with Driveline, a data-driven baseball player development organization, to revamp his pitching mechanics.

His hard work paid off during the 2023 season, as he emerged as one of the Mets’ most reliable starters, finishing with a 12-6 record and a 3.47 ERA. Now, with the series on the line, Manaea’s impressive performance in Game 3 not only showcases his growth as a pitcher but also solidifies his place as a key player for the Mets as they push toward playoff success.

As the Mets prepare for Game 4 of the NLDS, scheduled for Wednesday at 5:08 p.m. ET, the team carries the hope and spirit of their fallen family member, inspired by Manaea’s dedication and performance. With their eyes set on the NLCS, the Mets aim to continue their winning momentum and honor Manaea’s aunt’s memory with every pitch.