Pete Alonso Powers Mets to Victory with Grand Slam Against Marlins

MIAMI — In a thrilling display of power, Pete Alonso led the New York Mets to a commanding 10-4 victory over the Miami Marlins on Monday night, marking his first home run of the season with a grand slam in the fifth inning at LoanDepot Park.

Alonso’s grand slam highlighted a seven-run inning that revitalized the Mets’ offense, showcasing their capability after a slow start to the season where they managed just five runs in three games against the Houston Astros. Alonso, who recorded two hits during the game, attributed the offensive success to team collaboration. “We just had great team at-bats the entire game,” he said. “You can’t have that big inning without team quality at-bats, and we did that throughout the entire game.”

The matchup against the Marlins served as both a competitive challenge and a dress rehearsal for the Mets’ home opener scheduled for Friday against the Toronto Blue Jays, a team Alonso was heavily linked with during the offseason. Alonso expressed excitement for the upcoming home game but stressed, “You have to focus on the present.”

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza praised Alonso’s grand slam, stating, “He earned that pitch,” reflecting on Alonso’s improved selectivity at the plate. This victory marked a significant turnaround for the Mets, who had faced a sluggish start to the season.

Alonso, who signed a two-year, $54 million contract with the Mets, recognized the pressure to perform, especially after last season’s struggles. “I need to keep playing good defense, drawing walks, and hitting home runs,” Alonso stated. He understands the stakes involved with his player option following this season.

The victory on Monday night came as a relief to the Mets, who experienced a rough series against the Astros. Multiple players contributed offensively, including Starling Marte, Luis Torrens, and Brandon Nimmo, who also hit home runs, complementing Alonso’s grand slam.

“I’m really excited for [the home opener] because Citi is going to be packed and the energy is going to be super high,” Alonso stated. He emphasizes the importance of taking one game at a time, reiterating his focus on the current competition against the Marlins before shifting attention to the home opener

With this performance, Alonso stands on the verge of breaking Darryl Strawberry‘s record of 252 home runs for the Mets, needing only 26 more to surpass it. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, hoping to see Alonso reach new milestones while leading the Mets to victory.