Remembering Mets History (2019) Pete Alonso Sets NL Rookie Single Season HR Record

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Sunday August 18th, 2019: The Mets were back in contention & in the midst of the wild card race. After winning 15 of 16 games, they fell off a bit having won just two in their last five games. 

 Most of today's attention, went to Rookie sensation, slugger, Pete Alonso. He entered the game needing just one HR to set the NL HR mark.

 Mickey Callaway's Mets (64-60) were in Kansas City taking on Ned Yost's Royals (44-81). The Royals had fallen to fourth place with the leagues third worst record. The Mets Zack Wheeler (9-7) took the mound against Glenn Sparkman (3-8) in front of 20,661 in a Sunday matinee at Kaufman Royals Stadium.


The Mets bats started right away in the 1st inning, as Amed Rosario singled but was caught stealing. Joe Panik then tripled to left & Pete Alonso was issued a walk. 

The hot hitting Michael Conforto blasted a three run HR to right, his 26th of the year for 3-0 Mets lead.

 In the 4th, Zack Wheeler gave up a double to Hunter Dozier, then Jorge Soler reached on a catcher's interference call. 

A wild pitch then moved the runners over & a ground out scored the Royals first run. In the home 5th inning, the Royals Bubba Starling & Brett Phillips both collected base hits. Then Zack Wheeler botched a throw on a sac bunt & the bases were loaded.  

The Royals scored three runs, a base hit from Whit Merrifield then a ground out & a sac fly gave them the lead.

The Mets erupted with a big 6th inning as they batted around, with six runs & seven hits. Todd Frazier doubled & was sacrificed over to third. J.D. Davis singled to tie the game at four.

Catcher Tomas Nido then doubled & Amed Rosario singled bringing home both runners making it 6-4 Mets. 

 After a pitching change, Richard Lovelady was brought into pitch. Joe Panik singled to center, then Pete Alonso hit his 25th double of the year to bring home Rosario.

 Michael Conforto & Wilson Ramos both singled & the Mets had a nice 9-4 lead. The Royals got a runoff Jeurys Familia making it 9-5 to the 7th inning.

 As the 9th inning began, the Royals were on their fifth pitcher, Jacob Barnes. Pete Alonso led off the inning & made Mets as well as MLB history. 

Alonso blasted a monster HR to left field setting a new NL HR mark for rookies with 40 round trippers. 

He was greeted by his happy teammates & they continued to witness his incredible rookie season.

 Trivia: Alonso would go on to set the MLB rookie record & Mets single season HR marks with 53.




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