Pete Alonso closing in on Mets home run record
DENVER (AP) — When he re-signed with the New York Mets last winter, Pete Alonso saw an opportunity to become the team's career leader in home runs and multihomer games.
He checked one record off his list Sunday with a pair of two-run shots in a 13-5 victory over the Colorado Rockies — and the burly first baseman is closing in on the other.
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Alonso's 23rd multihomer game broke a tie with Darryl Strawberry for the most in Mets history. The four-time All-Star and two-time Home Run Derby champion now has 243 career homers, passing David Wright (242) for second place on the franchise list — nine behind Strawberry.
'Honestly, it's just one of those things where I can't really be too involved in it,' Alonso said. 'For me, I just want to win. Whatever happens, capitalize on certain pitches in the zone, then I'll get my chance to do so by helping my team win. That's always been the focus.'
Alonso hit two of New York's season-high six homers to help complete a 5-2 trip. He has six home runs and two multihomer games in June after going deep just four times in 27 games in May. He went 5 for 14 during the weekend series and has raised his batting average from .288 to .301 over the last eight games.
'There's a lot to like about his bat right now,' manager Carlos Mendoza said. 'Just dominating pitches in the strike zone. That's who he is. We know that the power's always been there, but now we're looking at a really good hitter.'
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Alonso wasn't the only Mets player with a banner day. Juan Soto had three hits and walked three times to reach base in all six plate appearances.
He became the first New York player to accomplish that feat since Alonso on Aug. 15, 2019, at Atlanta.
'It's not easy to do at the big league level,' Mendoza said. 'You get six times at the plate and you find a way to get on base. Finally getting results, but I feel the at-bat quality has been there.'
Alonso's path toward becoming the Mets' career home run leader began when he set the major league record for rookies with 53 in 2019. He has hit at least 34 homers in each of his five full big league seasons and is on pace for 41 this year.
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'Pete's been pretty incredible this year. He's been locked in every single at-bat,' said teammate Jeff McNeil, who also hit two home runs Sunday. 'Seems like big situations he's going to do some damage.
'It's fun to watch and I feel like he's putting on a show every time he's at the ballpark.'
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB
Michael Kelly, The Associated Press
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