Title: Pete Alonso Hits Milestone: 40th and 41st Home Runs of the Season Lead Mets to Victory
Date: September 3, 2023
Pete Alonso, the New York Mets’ star slugger, showcased his immense power on Sunday, hitting two home runs and driving in four runs. With these blasts, Alonso reached the prestigious milestone of 40 home runs and 100 RBIs for the second consecutive season. The Mets secured a 6-3 victory over the first-place Seattle Mariners in an exhilarating matchup.
Alonso’s remarkable display of power started early in the game, as he delivered an RBI single in the first inning. However, it was his two-run homer in the third inning that solidified his place in history. By achieving three 40-homer seasons within his first five campaigns, Alonso joined an exclusive group of only four players in major league history. This elite list includes Hall of Famers Ralph Kiner (four times), Eddie Mathews, Ryan Howard, and Albert Pujols.
Surprisingly, Alonso expressed his astonishment upon learning of his achievement, stating, “Kind of mind-baffling. Impressive names. I had no idea.” This humility only adds to the admiration for the young All-Star’s accomplishments.
Jeff McNeil also contributed significantly to the Mets’ victory by hitting a home run, following his near brush with hitting for the cycle in the previous game. Their combined efforts ensured the Mets won two out of three games in the series, handing the Mariners their first series loss since mid-August.
Seattle, which dominated August with a franchise-record 21 wins, currently leads the American League West by one game over the Houston Astros. Although they encountered a minor setback against the Mets, Mariners’ first baseman Mike Ford expressed confidence, stating, “But we can get right back on it.”
In addition to reaching the 40-homer milestone, Alonso’s solo shot in the seventh inning also marked his third season with 100 RBIs. This accomplishment placed him alongside Mets greats such as David Wright, Carlos Beltrán, and Darryl Strawberry, making Alonso only the fourth player in franchise history to achieve this feat.
Mets manager Buck Showalter praised Alonso’s consistency and character, stating, “Through thick and thin, we know one thing: Pete’s going to walk through that door the same guy every day. Pleasure to be around. He never has a bad day. He cares about his teammates, cares about the Mets.”
Remarkably, Alonso’s 41 home runs have now tied him for the second-most in a single season in Mets history. He shares this position with Carlos Beltrán and Todd Hundley. However, Alonso still holds the team record for most home runs in a season with 53, a feat he accomplished during his rookie campaign in 2019.
As Alonso’s star continues to rise, speculation is mounting over his future with the Mets. With his potential free agency looming after the 2024 season, trade rumors have emerged, especially after the Mets traded away veteran pitchers Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander earlier this year. However, the Mets’ shortstop Francisco Lindor acknowledged the transient nature of the game, saying, “Everybody knows that’s part of the game until the contract is done.”
Alonso’s extraordinary abilities and consistent performance have made him a beloved figure in New York. Reflecting on his time with the Mets, he expressed gratitude, remarking, “This place has been extremely special to me. New York’s treated me so incredibly well.”
While Alonso’s future may create intrigue off the field, fans and teammates will continue to relish in his extraordinary talents and contributions on it.