Pete Alonso marked his name in franchise history after smashing his 253rd career home run to surpass Darryl Strawberry’s long-standing mark.
The New York Mets have a new and fresh name atop their all-time home run list — and Alonso didn’t stop at just breaking the record.
The milestone came in the bottom of the third inning at Citi Field, where Alonso launched a two-run shot off Atlanta Braves starter Spencer Strider to extend the Mets’ lead to 5-1.
The crowd delved into celebration, giving Alonso a standing ovation as he rounded the bases, fully aware they had just witnessed history. The home run not only gave the Mets a boost in the game, but also secured Alonso’s place as the club’s all-time home run king.
But Alonso wasn’t done making noise.
In the sixth inning, with the Mets already in control, the slugger stepped up again, this time against Braves reliever Austin Cox. He delivered a towering solo blast to push New York’s lead to 11-5, further extending his newly set franchise record to 254 home runs. Citi Field once again roared in approval, celebrating a performance that was equal parts historic and dominant.
The Mets rode Alonso’s power surge to a decisive 13-5 victory, snapping a tough seven-game losing streak and halting a stretch where they had dropped 11 of their previous 12 contests. The win improved their record to 64-55, keeping them within striking distance in both the division and wild-card races. They remain five games back of the NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies and hold a two-game advantage over the Cincinnati Reds for the final postseason spot.
For Alonso, the record is another highlight in an already remarkable career. Since debuting in 2019 and leading the National League with 53 home runs as a rookie, he has established himself as one of baseball’s most consistent and dangerous sluggers. The 30-year-old has topped 34 home runs in every full season he has played, excluding the shortened 2020 campaign.
This year has been no different. Tuesday’s two home runs brought his season total to 28 in just 118 games, putting him well on track to surpass the 30-homer mark yet again. With 43 games remaining, Alonso could make a serious push for another 40-home run season — production the Mets will desperately need in their playoff push.
Alonso re-signed with New York in the offseason on a two-year, $54 million deal, a move that not only kept their premier power hitter in Queens but also ensured he would have the opportunity to build on the franchise record he now owns.
Darryl Strawberry, who hit 252 home runs during his time with the Mets before moving on to stints with the Dodgers, Giants, and Yankees, held the record for decades. Alonso’s achievement now begins a new chapter in Mets history — one where every additional blast will only add to the gap between him and those chasing his number.
On a night when the Mets desperately needed a spark, Alonso delivered — twice. And with the postseason race heating up, there’s every chance his record-breaking power display is just the beginning of a defining stretch for both player and team.
