It’s like putting a rest to all the offseason buzz. Remember when, at one point, even the Mets owner, Steve Cohen, shared his frustration about getting Pete Alonso? But now, it seems that NYM’s $54 million investment is yielding results. Tuesday’s game against the Marlins proved Alonso as a potent weapon, probably even better than the Mets’ most decorated slugger, Juan Soto.
On other news, the Citi Field weather, too, caught all the attention in yesterday’s game. The wind chills left Francisco Alvarez padded up with a black sweatsuit with a balaclava covering everything but his eyes. Yesterday’s game saw everything—43 degrees at first pitch, winds blasting from the west at 19 mph, and gusts far higher than that. The weather for a Polar Bear to rise to the occasion. The Marlins just did that by walking Soto and letting Alonso hit.
Did the Marlins’ decision give Alonso any extra motivation at the plate? “No. I just wanted to get a pitch to hit,” Alonso shared during a post-match meet with SNY. “Thankfully, I got one where I was looking and I was able to capitalize.”
“You guys are awesome. Thank you for coming out today!”
Pete Alonso catches up with @SteveGelbs and thanks Mets fans for coming out to Citi Field after the Mets’ 10-5 win over the Marlins: pic.twitter.com/T7xC8uNDBX
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 8, 2025
The Mets were leading by 6-5 when reliever Ronny Henriquez walked Soto to load the bases with one out in the bottom of the sixth. It was Soto’s first intentional walk of this season. What followed later was a three-run double with two pitches, giving the Mets all the assurance they needed to win 10–5.
Just before the regular season, the Mets’ depth was highly hyped. “You either go after Juan Soto or you’ve got another good one behind him. They decided to pitch to Pete, and I’m glad he came through.” Mets Manager, Carlos Mendoza, shared what the depth of the team looks like.
Juan Soto is possibly the sport’s best pure hitter and also the most expensive player in history. But while Pete Alonso’s contract value is nowhere near Soto’s, he still made the Marlins pay. Yes, it was still dangerous to walk the outfielder to face Alonso, the outcome came in favor of the Mets. And with all the pistons working fine, the Mets are moving at a great pace.
The Mets and Alonso’s dream run continues
The Mets are currently leading the NL East with an 8-3 record. However, the season started with them going down against the Astros in the opening game. But now, they are steadily taking up the pace.
A lot of talks were going on around when Soto would return to his form. While the best hitter on the team is still standing with a single homer, it hasn’t let them trail behind. Because the Polar Bear is leading the chart with 3 HRs. Yes, there were a few games this season that went as close for the Mets, but that’s what the Mets are known for.
Remember last year’s moments like Pete Alonso’s ninth-inning homer against the Brewers, saving the Mets in Game 3 of the NL wild-card series? Francisco Lindor’s ninth-inning homer against the Braves to secure the Mets’ postseason berth? The trend just continues this year.
But is everyone working well with the team?
There are several NOs still left. Francisco Alvarez is still out of action, and Brandon Nimmo is still struggling. It’s just that Alvarez’s absence is getting offset by the brilliance of Luis Torrens and Hayden Senger.
Despite all that, the Mets currently have the best ERA in baseball with 1.72. Credit to their bullpen – Ryne Stanek, Reed Garrett, and Jose Butto. So yes, a good team game is going on with the Mets, projecting a better season ahead.
For the rivals, Alonso made a good statement yesterday. If you don’t want to face Soto, then face me! And that’s exactly what the team was expected to instill this season. Did you expect something else?
The post Pete Alonso Reacts to Marlins Intentionally Walking Juan Soto to Face Him Instead: “I Was Able to Capitalize” appeared first on EssentiallySports.
