DENVER (AP) — When he re-signed with the New York Mets last winter, Pete Alonso recognized a chance to become the team’s all-time leader in home runs and multi-homer games.
He checked one item off his list on Sunday, contributing to a 13-5 victory over the Colorado Rockies, while making strides towards the other.
Alonso’s 23rd multi-homer game put him ahead of Daryl Strawberry for the most in Mets history. The four-time All-Star and two-time Home Run Derby champion now has 243 career homers, surpassing David Wright (242) to claim second place on the franchise list.
“Honestly, it’s one of those things I try not to get too wrapped up in,” Alonso remarked. “My focus is simply on winning. Whatever happens, I aim to leverage the right pitches to help the team succeed. That has always been my priority.”
Alonso wrapped up a 5-2 trip, contributing two of New York’s season-high six home runs. He has hit six homers and achieved two multi-homer games in June after only four in May across 27 games. He boosted his batting average from .288 to .301 over his last eight games, finishing fifth in the weekend series, now rated 14th.
“There’s a lot I admire about his performance right now,” coach Carlos Mendoza expressed. “He is dominating pitches in the strike zone. The power has always been there, but now we’re witnessing a truly skilled batter.”
Alonso wasn’t the only Mets player having a standout day. Juan Soto recorded three hits and walked three times, reaching base on all six of his plate appearances. He became the first New York player to accomplish this since Alonso in Atlanta on August 15, 2019.
“It’s no easy feat at the major league level,” Mendoza noted. “To get on base six times is impressive. It feels great to finally see the results, although I believed he had it in him all along.”
Alonso’s journey to becoming the Mets’ career home run leader started back in 2019 when he set a rookie record with 53 homers. He has maintained a minimum of 34 homers in each of his five full seasons in the majors and is currently on pace for 41 this year.
“Pete is performing incredibly well this year. He’s focused in every at-bat,” said teammate Jeff McNeill, who also hit two home runs on Sunday. “He seems to shine in big situations.”
“It’s a joy to watch; it feels like he’s putting on a show every time he’s at the ballpark.”
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Source: apnews.com