In a dramatic return to Citi Field, former Mets slugger Pete Alonso provided the spark the Baltimore Orioles needed on Wednesday night. His first‑inning solo shot was the opening of four home runs that the Orioles tallied to beat the Mets 7‑1, completing a three‑game sweep and tightening the race for the final American League playoff berth.
Alonso’s back‑to‑back long balls
Alonso’s Wednesday homer marked his second in as many games against his former club. Just a day earlier, he launched his 300th career home run in the ninth inning to tie the game, a drive that helped Baltimore win 7‑5 in 11 innings. The two homers were his only hits in 12 at‑bats during the return to Queens.
He now leads the American League with 102 RBIs and ranks fourth with 37 homers this season. His .864 OPS sits slightly above his career mark of .857, underscoring his continued offensive production.
Manager’s take
Orioles manager Craig Albernaz praised Alonso’s mindset, saying, “Not surprised at all, just knowing Pete. He knows what’s at stake and wants to win more than anyone in that clubhouse. Big series for Pete, couple big swings in big moments.”
Fan reaction in New York
The crowd of 25,324 rose to their feet before Alonso’s first at‑bat, chanting his name as he faced emergency starter Xzavion Curry’s 74‑mph curveball. The ball traveled 410 feet to the second deck in left field. While the ovation was enthusiastic, it was not as raucous as the previous night’s celebration, when Alonso famously shouted and tossed his bat toward the Baltimore dugout after his milestone drive.
After rounding the bases, Alonso received a rare curtain call on the road, prompting fans to chant “Fire Stearns” toward Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns.
Alonso’s journey
Alonso spent seven seasons with the Mets, hitting a franchise‑record 264 home runs and earning five All‑Star selections. He helped New York reach the playoffs in 2022 and 2024. The Mets chose not to re‑sign him after the 2025 season, and he signed a five‑year, $155 million contract with Baltimore.
Despite the Mets’ $350 million opening‑day payroll, they endured a 12‑game losing streak in April and have spent most of the season at the bottom of the NL East. They were eliminated from playoff contention on Monday and are assured of a losing season.
Post‑game moments
Following the game, Alonso said he had not spoken with Stearns that week, though he did interact with stadium staff, kitchen workers, and security personnel. He also embraced longtime Mets radio voice Howie Rose, who is retiring at season’s end.
Alonso received a two‑minute tribute video before the Orioles’ 2‑1 win on Monday, and fans presented him with a signed ball and bat after his Tuesday home run. He signed the items and offered the fans tickets and batting‑practice access at Camden Yards.
“There’s so much life lived here. There’s a lot of really, really good people I was able to see,” Alonso said, reflecting on his time in New York.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
