NEW YORK (AP) — Pete Alonso hit a game-winning sacrifice fly in the ninth inning and the New York Mets took advantage of a costly error by shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 on Monday night.

The New York Mets are shelling out top dollar in 2025 (see their $324-million payroll), and as it is now, they're receiving the desired ROI. To sweeten the pie, the Mets are fresh off a thrilling Mother's Day victory over the Chicago Cubs—another perennial contender in the Senior Circuit.

“Stop looking at first basemen 30 or older and believing they’re in their decline," Scott Boras, Alonso’s agent, tells USA TODAY Sports. “The truth is that they still can be very valuable, and there are only five or six people [first basemen in their 30s] who can do what Pete is doing."