And in a year full of rough moments, Alonso delivered the signature moment of his career when a fly ball carried until it gave the Mets a lead in Game 3 of their NL wild-card series after leaving Citi Field for possibly the finals. time.

So Alonso returned as a Mets hero and only added to that with a home run in the second inning, drawing out drawn-out “Pete” shouts turning into a standing ovation and “Pete Alonso” chants.

The threat of Alonso’s final at-bat with the organization will loom throughout the Mets’ postseason run — and could become relevant again later this week.

But for one night, he basked in the spotlight that caused his wildcard explosion in the first place.

“To be honest, I have no idea, but I’m just really excited to keep going,” Alonso told The Post ahead of the race about the personal reaction he expected from the crowd. “We have a great atmosphere, great momentum, and I mean that’s all we have to focus on. Pitch after pitch, outside in, focus on the game, but I’m really excited to see the crowd.”

Manager Carlos Mendoza said what his star first baseman wouldn’t predict: He predicted the reaction to Alonso — and basically everyone at the Mets — “would be electric.”

It would be loud. It would mirror the unexpected sprint through Atlanta, through Milwaukee, back through Atlanta and then back through Milwaukee that filled the 16 days between stops at Citi Field.

Alonso was central to that run. He still finished the regular season with 34 home runs and 88 RBIs, but his slugging percentage and OPS were the lowest of his career. His strikeout rate was the highest.

But Alonso turned around his disappointing walk all year when the playoffs began, walking three times in Game 1 against the Brewers, crushing the homer in Game 3 and then adding hits in each of the first two games against the Phillies.

He then homered off Aaron Nola to give the Mets an early lead on Tuesday.

“I just want him to go out there and be himself and embrace the moment and embrace the situation and just be Pete Alonso,” Mendoza said before the game.

The overall figures are still disappointing compared to Alonso’s past years.

But on an evening that – this time – also functioned as a party and postponed any other premature farewell by 24 hours, that didn’t matter.