New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso has no idea how to explain the swing that delivered a three-run homer to center field in Game 5 of the NLCS and set the tone in a season-saving 12-6 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday .

Alonso took a slider from Dodgers starter Jack Flaherty that was nearly in the mud by the time he started his swing, but ended up an “inexplicable” 450 feet when he landed.

“I was just looking for something in the middle of the board,” Alonso told reporters after the match. “I didn’t really realize how low the field was. I got caught a little bit in front. … Honestly, it’s inexplicable. It’s the magic of the postseason. And I’m just glad I got it right .”

Sarah Langs of MLB.com noted that the pitch was 12 feet above the ground when it was hit, which is the second-lowest pitch for a postseason home run in the Statcast era (since 2008).

The only lower was Daniel Murphy’s home run off Jake Arrieta for the Mets in Game 2 of the 2015 NLCS (1.06 feet).

That could bode well for the Mets, as Murphy’s explosion came in a series they won to advance to the World Series, but the 2024 team still has a lot of work to do to get to that point.

The Mets avoided elimination on Friday, but still trail the Dodgers 3-2 in the series when they return to Los Angeles. It was an encouraging sign to see the offense break through after scoring a combined two points in the first two games at Citi Field.

Flaherty only got through three innings, allowing eight runs on eight hits. He pitched seven shutout innings in the Dodgers’ 9-0 victory in Game 1.

After trailing 10-2 entering the fifth inning, the Dodgers were able to take away the lead with four runs in the next two innings. The Mets were able to shut them out over the final three innings to earn the victory.

Alonso had a great performance in what could be his final home game with the Mets as he prepares to hit free agency this season. He finished 2-for-3 with a homer, three RBI and four runs scored in five at-bats.

The Mets and Dodgers will play Game 6 of the NLCS on Sunday at 8:08 PM ET. Sean Manaea gets the ball for New York and wants to force a decisive Game 7. He allowed two earned runs with seven strikeouts in the Mets’ Game 2 win.

Los Angeles has not yet announced a starting pitcher. A win on Sunday sends the Dodgers to the World Series for the fourth time since 2017.