The Baltimore Orioles completed a three-game sweep of the New York Mets with a 7-1 victory at Citi Field on Wednesday, extending the Mets’ losing streak to four games. The series marked a notable return for Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso, who faced his former team in Queens shortly after reaching a career milestone.
Alonso, who signed a five-year, $155 million contract with Baltimore last winter after spending his first major league years with the Mets, continued his strong performance in the series. On Tuesday, he hit his 300th career home run—a tying solo shot in the ninth inning off Kodai Senga—that helped the Orioles rally to a 7-5 win in 11 innings. His achievements earned him a rare curtain call from the Mets’ home fans, who also honored him with a tribute video and multiple standing ovations throughout the two games.
On Wednesday, Alonso added a 413-foot homer in the first inning, extending his season total to 37. He finished the series 2-for-12 with two home runs, both contributing to Baltimore’s offensive dominance. Orioles hitters Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Jeremiah Jackson, and Samuel Basallo also contributed home runs during the final game. Their combined early offensive surge off Mets pitcher Xzavion Curry, who allowed six earned runs in three innings, set the tone for the rout.
The Mets were further hampered by the absence of Robert Stock, who was placed on the injured list before the game with circulatory issues causing numbness in his fingers. Curry replaced Stock in the rotation but struggled against the Orioles’ lineup. On the mound, Baltimore’s Chris Bassitt, a former Met, stifled New York’s offense by allowing just one run over 6⅔ innings, striking out six and walking one.
The sweeping victories brought Baltimore within 2½ games of a National League wild-card spot, intensifying their push for the postseason with just over a week left in the regular season. Meanwhile, the Mets, once regarded as potential World Series contenders, held one of the worst records in Major League Baseball this season.
The crowd's reaction to Alonso’s return was mixed. Fans chanted his name and applauded his achievements, even chanting for Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, questioning the decision not to retain Alonso long-term. Some Mets players, however, expressed surprise at the warm reception Alonso received on the road. Pitcher Sean Manaea acknowledged Alonso’s stature but noted it was unusual for opposing players to receive such enthusiastic applause.
Alonso expressed gratitude for the support from New York fans and reflected on his personal connection to the city. “New York will always be a place where it feels like homecoming,” he said. He also showed appreciation to fans who caught his milestone home run ball, signing memorabilia and inviting them to Camden Yards in Baltimore for future games.
Looking ahead, the Mets prepare to host the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday in a four-game series, hoping to regroup after the sweep. Interim manager Andy Green emphasized the need to move forward following the setback, stating the team will have the opportunity to "turn the page" against a strong postseason-contending opponent.