Pete Alonso’s bat is largely responsible for the New York Mets’ dominance in the NL East. Although the Mets first baseman has been outstanding in the first two months of the season, every player will have moments during the 162-game season when he wishes he could go back in time. Unfortunately for Alonso, he had one on Sunday night in the Bronx against the New York Yankees, a crosstown foe.
As Jasson Dominguez sprinted to the plate in an attempt to put the Yankees ahead 3–2, Alonso fielded a ground ball hit by Jordan Vivas and attempted to grab the out at home with runners at second and third and only one out remaining in the bottom of the ninth. He should have had an opportunity to get out, but he sailed the throw far over Francisco Alvarez’s head, giving the go-ahead run.
Following Alonso’s costly mistake, the Mets’ hopes were dashed. Vivas was moved to second base and Trent Grisham walked to load the bases after Paul Goldschmidt’s base hit increased the score to 4–2. Aaron Judge was struck out by reliever Genesis Cabrera, but Cody Bellinger made the Mets pay by hitting a grand slam to right field to end the game at 8–2.
Even while Alonso isn’t solely to blame for the defeat, his mistake set off a series of events that made a close game in the Bronx into a late laugher. He accepted full responsibility for the defeat after the game.
“I botched it up,” Alonso said, “My throw was terrible. I’m responsible for the entire inning and this game. They had several excellent at-bats after that throw, and I’m to blame for this one.”
Alonso has never been regarded for his defense, but after a dismal 2024, he signed a prove-it deal over the winter, and his bat has gotten him into early MVP discussions. This season, he has played a key role in much more Mets victories than defeats.
On Monday night, New York’s National League team will travel to Boston to play the Red Sox in an attempt to bounce back from a difficult night in the Bronx. Starting Tuesday, the Yankees will host the Texas Rangers in a series.
