Pete Alonso reached a major milestone by hitting his 300th career home run during a game against the team he once played for, the New York Mets. The moment came in the ninth inning of a 7-5, 11-inning victory by the Baltimore Orioles at Citi Field on Tuesday night. Alonso stepped into the batter’s box with the bases empty and one out, facing right-hander Kodai Senga. Senga threw three offspeed pitches to Alonso, who took the first two outside the strike zone. The third pitch was an 82.5 mph forkball that Alonso launched about 413 feet for his 300th career home run.
This made Alonso the 171st player in MLB history to reach the 300-home run mark, according to CBS Sports. The Orioles won the game 7-5 in extra innings, and Alonso’s blast tied the score at 3-3 in the ninth.
Alonso had spent his entire professional career with the Mets before signing a five-year free-agent deal with the Orioles this past winter. He was playing in Queens for the first time as a visitor during the interleague series opener. Baltimore signed Alonso to a five-year, $155 million contract in December.
Alonso went 0-for-3 with a walk in Monday’s 2-1 victory, when Mets fans gave him several standing ovations. Before that game, the Mets played a two-minute tribute video honoring his seven seasons with the club. After hitting No. 300 on Tuesday, Alonso heaved his bat toward the Baltimore dugout and later tipped his cap during a rare curtain call for a visiting player.
Alonso said he was proud of how the Orioles fought back and emphasized that the team is pushing for a postseason spot. He expressed gratitude for the support he received from fans and teammates throughout his time with the Mets.
The Mets did not re-sign him after last season, and he became a free agent before joining the Orioles. Alonso entered Tuesday with a 4.1 WAR, and CBS Sports said his production had made the contract look like a worthwhile investment.
Alonso became the third player in history to hit his 300th home run against a team he had played for more than 1,000 games. The Mets honored Alonso with a tribute video before Monday’s series opener. He signed bats, balls, and shirts for the three Mets fans who returned his 300th home run ball after Tuesday’s game. Alonso also offered them tickets to batting practice at Camden Yards in Baltimore next season.
He thanked the trio for their kindness outside the visitors’ clubhouse after the game. Mets pitcher Sean Manaea said he had nothing but respect for Alonso but was frustrated that home fans cheered an opposing player during a close game.
Alonso’s career home run total was a result of his long tenure with the Mets and his move to the Orioles. He hit 264 home runs in 1,008 games for New York before adding 36 more with Baltimore to reach 300.
Alonso did not stop at 300. On Wednesday, he hit career homer No. 301 in the first inning as Baltimore beat the Mets 7-1. The victory completed a three-game Orioles sweep at Citi Field.