Pete Alonso, now with the Orioles, celebrated his return to Citi Field by hitting a crucial home run on Tuesday night against his former team, the Mets. Alonso, who spent his entire career with the Mets until this year, made his first visit back to Citi Field on Monday in an interleague opener, going 0-for-3 with a walk in a 2-1 Baltimore victory. However, Tuesday’s game was far more memorable for the slugger, still greatly appreciated by Mets fans.
Trailing 1-0 in the ninth inning, Alonso stepped to the plate with one out and empty bases. Facing right-handed pitcher Kodai Senga, Alonso took two offspeed pitches outside the strike zone before launching the third pitch 414 feet for his 300th career home run. This game-tying shot electrified the Mets crowd, who clearly still hold a soft spot for the franchise’s all-time home run leader, especially with their team already out of postseason contention.
The Orioles eventually won 7-5 in extra innings, making Alonso’s late-game homer essential to the victory. Baltimore’s record moved to 74-78, keeping them in the hunt for the last wild card spot in the American League. Alonso’s 36th home run of the year also boosted his season stats to a .267/.362/.499 slash line. He has appeared in all 152 games this season and leads the AL with 101 runs batted in.
After the Mets and their executive David Stearns opted not to re-sign Alonso during the offseason, the slugger—nicknamed the Polar Bear—secured a five-year deal with Baltimore. Entering Tuesday’s game with a 4.1 WAR for the season, Alonso has justified the Orioles’ investment.
Fan Take: Alonso’s milestone homer not only marks a major personal achievement but also highlights the impact players can have when switching teams, sparking renewed excitement for both fan bases. This moment underlines how baseball’s narratives of loyalty and new beginnings continue to enrich the sport’s appeal for fans everywhere.
Source: www.cbssports.com
