The New York slugger launched another three-run homer in a high-stakes Game 5, reminding the Dodgers that he's only ever one swing away from changing the NLCS.

The Mets took advantage in a five-run third inning, rapping out four hits and drawing two free passes on their way to an 8-1 lead. Citi Field, which has had precious little to roar about in this series, delighted in the drubbing.

New York Mets' Pete Alonso hits a three-run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning in Game 5 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) AP

Pete Alonso's 432-foot homer was the longest by a Met in the postseason since Statcast began tracking, surpassing the 431-foot shot Travis d'Arnaud hit off the Home Run Apple in 2015. (The next day, Mets workers placed a bandage on the apple.)

Pete Alonso gently carries the small pumpkin he picked in Milwaukee with him to Citi Field every day. He doesn’t want to leave it overnight in his locker, because he doesn’t want anything to happen to it. When he travels, it doesn’t go in his checked luggage “because it could be destroyed,” he said earnestly earlier this week.

As the New York Mets stand at the edge of the cliff, one loss away from elimination, they may be saying an emotional goodbye to a franchise stalwart. First base

Pete Alonso isn’t focusing on the future. Although Friday night’s NLCS Game 5 against the Dodgers could be the impending free agent’s final game at Citi Field as a member of the Mets, Alonso said

Pete Alonso is taking no chances with his playoff pumpkin. Wearing a custom hoodie highlighting his now-famous lucky squash, the New York Mets’ slugger said Wednesday the pumpkin was stashed away in his locker at Citi Field.

Pete Alonso's pumpkin is a reminder of all the good fortune that has gone the New York Mets' way so far in October.