In Saturday’s game, Pete Alonso ended a 13-game stretch without a Mets home run. While the first baseman had been hitting the ball well, he wasn’t sending it over the fence like usual—having already hit 18 home runs this season and totaling 244 in his career. But against the Yankees in the Subway Series, Alonso broke his slump, smacking two home runs in a 12-6 victory. One was a two-run shot and the other a three-run blast, both crucial in securing the win against a powerful Yankees offense and an inconsistent Mets bullpen.
Alonso now has 246 career home runs, just six shy of tying Daryl Strawberry’s franchise record of 252. Not only did he end his home run drought, but he’s also closing in on becoming the Mets’ all-time leading home run hitter. Known for his power-hitting streaks—just ask the Yankees—the Mets might soon be celebrating Alonso breaking this record sooner rather than later.
When asked about the record, Alonso said he’s mainly focused on helping his team win as many games as possible. “That’s what I know,” he said. “But I just want to help the team win. That’s really all I want to do.”
This is the right mindset for a team that recently faced doubts after a tough 3-14 stretch. Now, after four straight wins, the Mets hold a slim half-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies at 52-38 and will be getting healthier soon. They even have a chance to sweep their cross-town rivals, the Yankees, on Sunday without their usual starting pitcher.
Despite the intensity of the playoff race, when Alonso eventually surpasses Strawberry, the Mets and their fans will have every reason to pause and celebrate. The remaining question is whether he’ll achieve this milestone before the All-Star break.
Fan Take: Pete Alonso’s chase for the franchise home run record is electrifying for Mets fans and baseball lovers alike, showcasing the rise of a true power hitter. His success not only fuels his team’s playoff hopes but also adds an exciting chapter to the sport’s rich history of legendary sluggers.
