On Tuesday night I attended my first Mets playoff game in 24 years…and only my third one ever.

My brother, as it turned out, was attending his first Mets playoff game.

It was another very exciting Mets win - not as dramatic as most have been lately…but still pretty exciting.

I thought it would be fun to share my Game 3 NLDS experience with you through my pictures.

Pregame Pomp

The Mets had their Block Party set-up outside Citi Field before the game, including a spot where fans could meet John Franco and Matt Harvey. I had not seen the Block Party set-up before…my brother said he had. He’d been to a Saturday game, and I had not….I think that’s when they’ve done it before. I like to get to games early and hang around the ballpark. I honestly did not mean to go so early on Tuesday...but we were very early.

Jeff McNeil got one of the loudest cheers from the fans. Not that I wasn't expecting that...but I guess I wasn't expecting that.

If it’s a big game, there’s a big flag. The first playoff home game of a series is almost like a mini Opening Day. Player introductions, big first pitches (see below)…it’s all very exciting.

Keith Hernandez throws the ceremonial first pitch to John Franco…2 players from the last two Mets teams I saw live in the playoffs in 1988 and 2000.

Game Time

The Mets hit Aaron Nola pretty well in the early innings. Pete Alonso hit a solo homer to lead off the second inning, Jose Iglesias singled, and then Jesse Winker almost hit a home run, but Nick Castellanos caught the ball (before it fell out of his glove on the transfer) against the wall…but it was still just 1-0 Mets in the 4th when Winker got more of one, hitting an absolute bomb to make it 2-0 (pictured above).

The Mets chased Nola in the top of the 6th, when it was dark enough for the Mets' opponent pitching change music and light show to look pretty awesome. One of my favorite parts of a game at Citi Field this year.

Sean Manaea has been so fun to watch pitch. Tuesday night the Mets kept giving him a bigger lead, and he kept taking the mound. He ended up going 7-plus innings, allowing just 3 hits and striking out 6. To be honest, it felt like more than 6 Ks, but I guess the big ones - like making Bryce Harper look very uncomfortable on a swing with 2 on and nobody out in the top of the 6th (before getting a double play lineout from Nick Castellanos) - made it feel like more.

Other Nonsense

For those of you who didn’t see the exciting videos before the game, Grimace took the 7 Train to Citi Field. This 2024 Mets season is so silly but so much fun.

I also saw Mr. Met at the Block Party and came the closest I ever got to a picture with Mr. Met, but he turned away from me instead of towards me. Matthew says he didn’t see me because of, you know, the head…but I know he saw me there.

And I was a little reluctant to wave the rally towel they gave us - I didn’t trust my rally towel-ing skills…but by the end of the game I got the hang of it and dare I say I was instrumental in some of those rallies.

It was a great time.

Let’s do it again in the NLCS.

Let’s Go Mets!