The Polar Bear secured his first 40-home run season since 2023 on Monday against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Monday night was a special moment for Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso as he launched his 40th home run of the season to propel the team to a 4-3 win over the AL East rival Toronto Blue Jays.
Moreover, Alonso's big hit came on his son Teddy's first birthday, putting the cherry on top of a memorable night for him, the Orioles and his family.
"That was for him," Alonso told Jake Rill of MLB.com. "That's his birthday song."
Still, earning the win was a bit of an uphill battle for Baltimore as the Blue Jays pounced on right-hander Shane Baz for three runs in the first inning. Nathan Lukes struck first with a one-run single that drove in Brett Bateman while George Springer joined in the action with another hit to score Alejandro Kirk.
Sean Keys contributed as well, extending Toronto's lead to 3-0 with a sacrifice fly that brought home Lukes.
Nonetheless, Alonso was on a mission as he cut into the deficit with a solo homer to right field off Blue Jays starter Trey Yesavage. Gunnar Henderson heated up in the sixth with a one-run blast of his own to bring the game within one.
With one runner on in the eighth, Alonso finished the job with his second homer of the night, securing his first 40-home run season since 2023 when he was with his former long-time club--the New York Mets.
"I really love playing the game, and for me, I just want to be all I can be and do whatever I can every single night to win the game," he said. "I really take pride in wanting to win and giving it all I have every single night. It’s really, really awesome to be a part of this group, be a part of this team. I know where we’re at with the standings, but couldn’t be more proud to be an Oriole."
After the win, the 31-year-old is continuing to cement himself as a cornerstone of Baltimore's lineup with his team-best .265 hitting average, 156 hits and 108 RBI this season.
Alonso also shined at the plate last Tuesday in his old stomping grounds at Citi Field, sealing a 7-5 extra-innings win for the Orioles when he crushed his 300th career homer to tie it during the ninth.
Furthermore, he led Baltimore to an 8-7 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Aug. 26 with a two-run shot that extended the team's healthy lead to 7-0 during the second.
While the Orioles are on the brink of elimination from the postseason, Alonso is shaping up to be the signing that will help them get over the hump going forward, especially as younger players like Coby Mayo keep stepping up.
With tonight's game being postponed due to inclement weather, Alonso should get a chance to relish the moment with loved ones before going back at it in a doubleheader on Wednesday.
