Pete Alonso etched his name into New York Mets history on Tuesday night by becoming the franchise’s all-time home run leader, hitting two homers in a dominant 13-5 victory over the Atlanta Braves. This milestone performance helped the Mets halt a prolonged slump and provided momentum as they prepare to host the Braves for the series’ middle game on Wednesday.
Pitching Matchup Highlights Wednesday’s Crucial Game
The Mets will counter with left-handed starter David Peterson, who holds a 7-5 record and a 2.98 ERA, facing off against Braves right-hander Carlos Carrasco, whose current stats stand at 2-2 with a 6.18 ERA. This matchup marks a pivotal opportunity for the Mets to secure their first series win in over two weeks, aiming to build on the offensive revival sparked by Alonso’s record-breaking night.
Mets’ Offensive Power Fuels Victory Breaking Losing Streak
Alonso’s first home run, the 253rd of his career, surpassed Darryl Strawberry’s previous franchise record, igniting a crucial offensive explosion for the Mets. The team scored 13 runs, the highest since a similar tally on June 8 against the Colorado Rockies, effectively ending a seven-game losing streak. This win improved the Mets’ record to 2-8 for the month and 19-31 since mid-June.
Alongside Alonso’s two homers, Francisco Alvarez contributed two home runs, with Brandon Nimmo and Brett Baty each adding one, collectively matching a season-high six home runs in a single game. The Mets’ potent lineup featured key players Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, Nimmo, and Alonso, who combined for seven hits in 18 at-bats, demonstrating the team’s offensive depth.
Brandon Nimmo Reflects on Overcoming Collective Slump
It’s kind of rare for everybody to go into a slump all together, especially Juan, Pete, myself and Lindor,
Nimmo said.
And I said, well, I hope something really rare happens and we all get hot together as well. And so tonight was an amazing example of that and it was really fun to watch.
Not every game’s going to be like that, but you enjoy the ones that are.
Struggles Continue for Braves Despite Rally Attempts
The Braves’ season difficulties persisted with their loss on Tuesday, despite a four-run rally in the fourth inning that briefly leveled the score at 5-5. Since the All-Star break, Atlanta has allowed five or more runs in 16 of 24 games, compiling a 9-15 record in that span, the second-worst in the National League behind only the San Francisco Giants.
With a 51-68 record, the Braves are on track to finish below .500 for the first time since 2017, the last year they missed the playoffs. Their recent defeats underscore ongoing challenges in maintaining consistent performance.
Braves’ Spencer Strider Addresses Team Effort Amid Challenging Season
I want to win, first and foremost,
said Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider, who gave up eight runs across four innings, tying his career high for runs allowed.
I don’t care what our record is. There are people that put a lot of effort into the outcome of our games, in here and all over the place. So I think that matters and I think it’s important to keep that perspective, that regardless of when our season ends, that every game we play is a representation of who we are.
Pitching Performances and Career Stats Context
Peterson’s last outing ended in a loss on August 6, allowing four runs over six innings against the Cleveland Guardians. Carrasco, who pitched for the Mets between 2021 and 2023, did not factor into the decision in his most recent game, conceding six runs over nearly six innings in an Atlanta victory against the Miami Marlins last Thursday.
Peterson’s record against Atlanta stands at 3-5 with a 5.15 ERA through 12 career games, while Carrasco’s lone appearance against the Mets came on September 7, when he pitched 1 1/3 innings of hitless relief during a Cleveland win over New York.
Looking Ahead: Mets Aim to Build Momentum
As the Mets prepare for the second game of their series against the Braves, Alonso’s record-setting achievements and revitalized offense offer a clear boost to the team’s competitiveness. Securing a series win would not only end an extended drought but also signal a potential turning point as the Mets seek to regain consistency in a challenging season.