Mets’ Alonso breaks NL rookie home run record
Pete Alonso wasn’t even sure he was going to make the New York Mets’ opening day roster, so even he never could have imagined the incredible season he’s having.
The burly first baseman hit his 40th home run to break the NL rookie record in an 11-5 victory over the Royals on Sunday.
“This season’s been unbelievable,” Alonso said. “It’s been a dream come true so far.”
Alonso’s blast snapped a tie with Cody Bellinger, who hit 39 homers for the Dodgers in 2017 on the way to winning Rookie of the Year honors. Next up for Alonso is the Mets’ season record of 41 home runs set by Todd Hundley in 1996 and equaled by Carlos Beltran a decade later. NATIONALS SHOW OFF POWER >> The Nationals matched a team record with eight home runs in a 16-8 rout of the Brewers. Juan Soto and Brian Dozier each hit two homers, and Matt Adams, Victor Robles, Anthony Rendon and Adam Eaton also cleared the outfield fence for Washington. SLAM LIFTS BRAVES >> With AllStar outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. benched for not hustling, Rafael Ortega stepped up with a sixth-inning grand slam to lift Atlanta over the Dodgers 5-3. HARPER DEHYDRATED >> Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper left the game against the Padres after the fifth inning because of dehydration on a hot and muggy day in Philadelphia. “I feel better now,” Harper said after receiving an IV to help hydrate him. “It’s weird. An hour ago, I couldn’t see in front of me kinda.” OBERG HAS BLOOD CLOT >> Rockies closer Scott Oberg was treated for a blood clot in his pitching arm Saturday. It was the second time in his career he’s needed to undergo a procedure to dissolve a clot. The Rockies put Oberg on the 10-day injured list Sunday. KLUBER LEAVES REHAB START >> Indians ace Corey Kluber was removed from a minor league start after one inning with abdominal tightness.