Mets first baseman Pete Alonso broke the team’s career home run record in the third inning of New York’s Tuesday game against the visiting Atlanta Braves — then went deep again in the sixth.
The third-inning shot, a two-run homer against Spencer Strider, gave Alonso 253 long balls in his seven-season career. Darryl Strawberry clouted 252 in his eight-year tenure with the franchise, 1983-90.
With Brandon Nimmo aboard after a two-out single, Alonso lined a first-pitch fastball over the right-center-field wall for his 27th homer of the year. The crowd at Citi Field erupted and Alonso shared hugs with many players and manager Carlos Mendoza following the blast.
“Good swing on a good pitch,” Alonso said. “Just really happy it just carried a little bit over the fence.”
Alonso set the record in his 965th game — 144 fewer than Strawberry. The milestone homer gave New York a 5-1 lead.
Asked if he was thinking about his place in club history, Alonso said, “A little bit, but it’s really not going to settle in because right now we’re in the thick of the playoff race. I don’t really want to make this about myself. This is about the team, this is about guys fighting every single day and doing whatever they can to win.”
Alonso acknowledged the moment was a career highlight.
“It’s unimaginable,” he said. “It’s still really not fully set in. I don’t think I’m going to fully appreciate this moment until the offseason.”
In the sixth, Alonso belted a solo shot against reliever Austin Cox. The Mets first baseman, who doubled in the first inning, finished 3-for-5 with three RBIs as New York prevailed 13-5, ending a seven-game losing streak.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said, “Special for him to do it here at home, not only 253 but 254. It’s a special number. You think about how many great players have put this uniform on and then to finally break the record — one of the greatest, Straw.
“Obviously special night for him, for all of us, and I’m just glad we were able to witness that.”
–Field Level Media
