Alonso’s Pair of Moonshots Fuels Mets
The Mets were looking to secure a series victory against the Colorado Rockies on Thursday with first baseman Pete Alonso batting cleanup.
Alonso was 5-for-26 with a home run and a 147 wRC+ in August leading into the game.
He quickly added another home run, this one of the two-run variety, to that total in the first inning against left-handed pitcher Austin Gomber. This moonshot traveled 471 feet at 111.6 mph, contributing to a first-inning onslaught against the Rockies.
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
This distance was undoubtedly impressive, even for a renowned slugger like Alonso. In fact, it is the second-longest home run of his career, only trailing his 489-foot shot from July of 2019.
“I didn’t really know how far it was going to go, and I’m like ‘oh wow,'” Alonso said. “That’s definitely one of my best bolts.”
Alonso tried to one-up this towering blast in the third inning, when he crushed a 454-foot solo home run with a 110.6 mph exit velocity. Both of his long balls would have been home runs in all 30 MLB parks, showcasing the incredible power Alonso provides.
Manager Carlos Mendoza commended Alonso for his performance, and emphasized his importance to the team’s success.
“He can carry a team quite a bit too,” Mendoza said. “The two balls that he hit – he hit pretty far. And that’s who he is.”
Alonso would go on to collect a fifth-inning single to contribute to a 3-for-5 performance that headlined a 9-1 Mets win. He is now batting .246/.331/.476 with 25 home runs for the season.
Despite his individual accolades, he maintained a team-first approach in his postgame comments.
“Ultimately, I just want to help the team win,” Alonso stated. “Hopefully I can continue to do that and I just want to be the best I can every single day.”
These comments directly contrast from his controversial words earlier this week, where he placed more of the focus on his individual performance.
“I’m on pace for close to 40 homers, I was an All-Star this year, to beat myself up or be frustrated – it’s really no use,” Alonso said. “I’m really excited for the end of the year where we get to play winning baseball. I’m happy with what I’ve accomplished this year so far.”
While he did mention the “winning baseball” that the Mets were in position to play, he conveyed a feeling of contentment regarding his own performance that did not sit well with some members of the Mets community. However, it is encouraging to see the shift in his approach in his latest comments.
Alonso is not only facing pressure from New York fans that expect a contending team, but he is also grappling with his impending free agency. That being said, it is in his best interest for the Mets to contend this year, as it will only improve his perceived value among potential suitors this offseason.
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