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Try it freePete Alonso began the day with his consecutive games streak in jeopardy, but ended it with his franchise record still progressing.
The Mets first baseman was absent from Sunday’s starting lineup with a right hand contusion, but entered the game as a defensive replacement for Mark Vientos at first base in the seventh inning of the 3-2 victory over the Reds at Citi Field.
Alonso, who appeared in his 354th straight game since 2023, struck out in his lone plate appearance in the eighth inning.
Alonso said he got jammed by the pitching machine in the indoor batting cage Saturday and his hand was aggravated following contact in his second at-bat of the game.
Pete Alonso strikes out looking during the Mets’ win over the Reds on July 20. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post
Pete Alonso talks with Mets manager Carlos Mendoza during their July 20 game. Robert Sabo for the NY PostX-rays were negative, but it was decided Alonso would begin Sunday’s game on the bench.
“I think the hand is in a really good spot,” Alonso said. “Especially with swelling and pain management, so I got to a point where I felt I could go and help the team.”
Manager Carlos Mendoza indicated Alonso will be evaluated on a daily basis, but it’s expected he will return to the starting lineup Monday.
Pete Alonso entered the Mets’ July 20 game in the seventh inning. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post
The missed start was Alonso’s first since May 30, 2024.
Vientos started his third career game at first base.
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In the first inning, he couldn’t grab Luisangel Acuña’s offline throw, leading to an error for the second baseman that allowed the Reds to score an unearned run.
Ryne Stanek said he got the sense he might be needed for the ninth inning after Edwin Díaz reached about 15 pitches in the eighth.
Díaz was summoned with the tying run on first base and two outs and allowed a walk and infield single before drilling Spencer Steer with the bases loaded to tie it 2-2.
Ryne Stanek reacts after securing the save for the Mets during their July 20 win. Robert Sabo for the NY PostDíaz struck out Tyler Stephenson to escape the inning.
Stanek, who had converted only one of his previous five save opportunities this season, entered for the ninth after the Mets had taken a 3-2 lead and got the final three outs.
“It’s where you want to be and pitching in those situations,” Stanek said. “You try not to even think about the crowd or anything else that is going on.”
Acuña’s fifth-inning RBI double gave him his first extra-base hit in 77 at-bats, dating to May 2.
The RBI was his first in 63 at-bats, dating to May 9.
