Pete Alonso’s 23rd home run of his career was also his longest. The New York Mets rookie has a knack for providing a spark at the right time.
The New York Mets are on the verge of a dangerous slide out of the National League East race, but Pete Alonso is doing everything he can to keep them afloat.
On Saturday night, he smoked a first-inning changeup off the third deck. According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, the 458-foot blast was the longest of Alonso’s short career.
Pete Alonso is pretty, pretty, pretty good #LGM pic.twitter.com/Eg6GSW1P36
— ESNY (@EliteSportsNY) June 15, 2019
The home run was a shot of life for a team that needed it in the worst possible way. After two demoralizing bullpen implosions, Noah Syndergaard allowed a first-inning home run to Dexter Fowler.
It looked like the Mets were in for another gruesome night at Citi Field. However, Alonso’s blast preceded two more runs in the inning. A J.D. Davis solo shot in the second inning would put the Mets ahead 6-1 early.
Of course, the lineup and starting pitching have not been the problem for the Metropolitans this season. The dreadful bullpen has been the team’s Achilles’ heel.
General manager Brodie Van Wagenen is trying to shore up the pen any way he can. The Mets acquired Brooks Pounders from the Cleveland Indians and they’re hoping that he can find some magic in Flushing. With a career 8.92 ERA, it’s hard to expect much from the 28-year-old right-hander.
However, if Alonso keeps mashing like this, even the lowly Mets bullpen won’t be able to blow this one.
