Baltimore Orioles React to Pete Alonso's Major Accomplishment

The Baltimore Orioles have suddenly found themselves right back in the playoff mix. It comes after a strong week of play highlighted by three straight wins against the top team in the American League in the Tampa Bay Rays from Friday through Sunday.

A huge reason for their success was an offensive explosion, and the leader of that explosion was first baseman Pete Alonso, who is quickly emerging as the new face of the Orioles franchise.

His performance last week was so impressive that MLB announced him as their American League Player of the Week, and Baltimore wasted no time reacting on social media to congratulate the superstar slugger.

"Run the numbers 📈 Pete Alonso has been named American League Player of the Week! 🙌," the Orioles wrote on X.

The Orioles also included Alonso's otherworldly numbers in a graphic. Across six games last week, the 31-year-old posted a .545 batting average, .630 on-base percentage, .864 slugging percentage, two home runs and five RBIs. What makes his performance even more impressive is that Alonso is also battling a right calf injury that he is playing through.

This is exactly what the Orioles envisioned when they signed Alonso this past offseason to a five-year, $155 million deal to be a force in the middle of the lineup.

His tenure in Baltimore started off slowly, but since June he has been one of the best hitters in the league and gives fans a real reason to believe in this new-look Orioles team following the trade deadline.

That deadline was a painful one for Orioles fans. President of baseball operations Mike Elias decided to sell, parting ways with catcher Adley Rutschman and outfielder Taylor Ward, two important pieces at the top of the order.

Without either of them, Baltimore was being written off in a tough American League playoff race with several teams hunting for the final wild card spot.

However, Alonso is singlehandedly making sure the Orioles remain in the mix until the very end and is delivering on his promise to bring playoff baseball back to Camden Yards.

Without him, this offense would be one of the worst in the league. Shortstop Gunnar Henderson is in the midst of a down season. He is not performing like an MVP candidate like he did in years past. Rookie catcher Samuel Basallo has also not played in nearly one month.

The Orioles are relying on Alonso to continue stepping up as the regular season comes to a close.