The New York Mets have refrained from producing game-winning blockbusters at this year’s trade deadline, but have made several changes around the edges to try to improve a roster that was good enough to compete for a postseason spot.

Most of the attention has been on the bullpen, and rightly so, but the Mets added Jesse Winker to their outfield in a trade with the Washington Nationals. He had some signature moments as an opposing player against New York, but he has yet to have any memorable moments with the orange and blue team.

Well, when the Mets needed him most, he delivered. When he filled in as a pinch hitter for Harrison Bader in the top of the ninth inning with the game tied 3-3, Winker hit his first home run as a Met to win the game. Let’s just say he was a little excited to be the hero.

It wasn’t just a home run, it was a total home run. He took a pretty good pitch from Seranthony Dominguez and cleared the Great Wall of Flushing, which is an incredible feat for anyone, especially a left-handed hitter.

When the ball cleared the left-center field fence, Winker went wild with celebration. He pumped his fist in the air. He threw off his helmet. He practically flew around the bases. He said he passed out. It was an incredible moment for Winker and a Mets team that desperately needed this win.

The Mets entered a crucial nine-game home series against the bottom-place Oakland Athletics and Miami Marlins, but were only able to play 3-3 in those six games. To have a winning home series, they would have had to win the series against the eventual favorites to win the AL pennant, the Baltimore Orioles, and that’s exactly what they did.

This game was wild from the start. Sean Manaea held the Orioles’ powerful offense baseless for 5.2 innings, but a hit-by-pitch and a home run finally allowed them to tie the game 2-2. Mark Vientos helped them regain the lead with a home run in the bottom of the seventh inning, but a brutal miscalculation by home plate umpire Marvin Hudson allowed the Orioles to tie the game again.

Fortunately for New York, Winker was able to put an end to the madness with one hit and send the Mets into a crucial 10-game road trip with a good feeling. Thanks to Winker’s heroics, the Mets are now 2.0 games out of the third Wild Card spot and still in good standing.