And Dom are both in lineup
The Mets first baseman also broke Judge’s rookie home-run record in 2019, after which Alonso said he wanted to get dinner with Judge at Peter Luger Steak House. Judge accepted Alonso’s invitation then, but two years later, New York City’s sluggers have yet to make good on their promise.
“Well because of COVID we weren’t necessarily allowed to,” Alonso said. “Maybe during the season we can do a double date if we both have an off day. It would be cool to talk with him. But he’s in arbitration, so that means he’s paying.”
No matter the pomp and circumstance that surrounds Alonso when he connects on a baseball, the first baseman credited Smith for getting the party started on Tuesday. Smith skied his first home run of the season in the fourth inning of the Mets’ win, putting the team on the board with his two-run dinger, and it was no cheap shot. Smith struck a fastball from Chase Anderson above the letters on his jersey, about shoulder-high.
The homer sailed to the leftfield seats at Citizens Bank Park and Smith’s immediate delight in the home run was evident. Though afterward, in his postgame presser, Smith played it cool and acted like it was just the first of many.
“I think it just goes back to my whole approach,” Smith said. “I know if I put the barrel on the ball, it could leave the park from line to line. When I simplify it… good things happen.”
Alonso bat cleanup against the Phillies with Smith right behind him. It’s the type of 1-2 punch that should make any opposing pitcher wipe his brow before attempting to beat them.
“It’s sick that we get to be 4 and 5 in the lineup,” Alonso said. “That moment was extremely invigorating for us and that momentum carried out for us through the rest of the game. That was a very important swing. I mean, he touched that ball pretty nice.”
“First Mets’ home run of the 2021 season: Dom Smith,” Alonso said smiling. “That was awesome and you’re going to see a lot of that from Dommo.”