Pete Alonso’s monster first month with the Mets did not go unnoticed.
On Thursday, the slugging first baseman was named National League Rookie of the Month after finishing April with nine home runs, which tied the franchise record of most homers before May 1, also held by Neil Walker (2016), John Buck (2013), Carlos Delgado (2006) and Dave Kingman (1976).
Alonso’s 26 RBIs by the end of April were the third-most in MLB history for a rookie.
“I am just really appreciative of the opportunity I’ve had, breaking camp with the team has meant absolutely everything to me, and I just want to say thank you to the Mets for being able to give me that opportunity,” Alonso said after the Mets’ 1-0 victory over the Reds.
“I wouldn’t have had this if I wouldn’t have had the opportunity, so I am just really appreciative.”
Alonso wasn’t guaranteed a roster spot entering spring training, but he won a job with his dominant spring following a season in which he hit 36 homers in the minor leagues.
“I work really hard at my craft and [the award] just kind of justifies all the hard work throughout my life and ever since I was a young kid I was dreaming of this moment,” Alonso said. “Getting here is one thing, but also it’s really cool to have the hard work and preparation coming to fruition and have a good first month like I did.”
Mickey Callaway downplayed the fact the Mets scored only one run over the final two games of the series.
“We ran into a pitching staff that is really hot,” the manager said, noting the Reds have the NL’s best ERA (3.21 following Thursday’s game). “Their starters have been off the charts, they are riding some confidence right now, they are making good pitches and shut us down a little bit, but we’ll bounce back and get going.
“I think the way our pitchers have pitched the last five games, it’s going to give [the team] a little jolt of energy and we’ll get it going on the road.”
Noah Syndergaard committed a fielding error on Scott Schebler’s chopper in the second inning. The error was the Mets’ 27th — the most in the National League.
