Pete Alonso's Milestone Homer Lifts Orioles Over Mets Amidst Fan Backlash
Former Mets star Pete Alonso hit his 300th career home run to tie the game in the ninth inning, while fans in attendance at Citi Field expressed discontent with team management.
Pete Alonso, a former star for the Mets, was a pivotal figure in the Baltimore Orioles' 7-5 extra-inning victory over his former team at Citi Field on Tuesday. Alonso achieved his 300th career home run in the top of the ninth inning, a milestone blast that tied the game at 3-3 and drew a mixed reaction from the 28,097 fans in attendance.
The game, which featured several surreal moments, ultimately saw the Orioles secure the win in the 11th inning with an inside-the-park home run by Coby Mayo. The Mets’ outfielder A.J. Ewing collided with the center field wall attempting to make a play on Mayo's hit, which contributed to the Orioles scoring three runs in the decisive inning.
Despite being mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, the Mets' performance on Tuesday felt significant, particularly for the fans who displayed dramatic shifts in allegiance. As Alonso rounded the bases after his game-tying home run, he was met with cheers from the crowd, many of whom still hold him in high regard. This support was quickly followed by widespread chants of "Fire Stearns," directed at the team's management.
Alonso, who played for the Mets for seven seasons and became their all-time home run leader, was not re-signed by the team in free agency. He signed a five-year, $155 million deal with the Orioles. "I respect their decision," Alonso stated regarding the Mets' front office. "The guys running the team, it’s their prerogative to do whatever they think is best. I respect it professionally. At the same time, I’m so stoked to be an Oriole. I feel very, very fortunate to be here. I feel very fortunate to play all those years I had with the Mets. Two things can be true."
The Mets had previously struggled against Alonso, with pitcher Jonah Tong walking him intentionally the previous day rather than risk him hitting a home run. Alonso's ninth-inning blast marked a stark contrast to his earlier at-bats in the series.
The Orioles, who are actively competing for a wild-card spot, capitalized on their opportunities late in the game. Mayo's inside-the-park home run in the 11th inning proved to be the decisive blow. The Mets' season continues to wind down, marked by a lack of competitiveness and fan dissatisfaction.
