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In a night of celebration and milestones, Pete Alonso etched his name firmly into Mets lore on August 12, 2025, delivering a memorable performance in a 13–5 victory over the Atlanta Braves. Here’s a full rundown:
Historic Night at Citi Field
- Franchise Record Smashed
Alonso crushed his 253rd career home run, surpassing Darryl Strawberry’s long-standing Mets record of 252. This historic shot came in the bottom of the third inning — a powerful two-run blast off Spencer Strider. The crowd erupted in chants, and Alonso received a curtain call as he doffed his cap in acknowledgment. - He’s Not Done Yet
In the sixth inning, Alonso added a solo homer, his 254th, making it a multi-homer game and extending the celebration further. - Quickest Ever
Alonso achieved the record in just 965 games—a remarkable 144 fewer games than Strawberry needed to reach the same mark.
Team Performance & Momentum Shift
- Offensive Explosion
The Mets lit up the Braves lineup, tallying 16 hits and six homers. Francisco Álvarez matched Alonso’s feat with two home runs, while Brandon Nimmo and Brett Baty also went deep. - Breaking a Slump
With this emphatic win, New York snapped a seven-game losing streak, injecting fresh energy into their playoff push. - Pitching Highlights
- Gregory Soto picked up the win, delivering 1⅓ scoreless innings of relief.
- Rookie Justin Hagenman earned his first major league save, pitching four hitless innings despite not being in a typical closing role
- Starter Clay Holmes was buoyed despite giving up five runs over 3⅔ innings, thanks to the Mets’ offensive onslaught.
What It Means
- A Star Is Cemented
Pete Alonso, affectionately known as the “Polar Bear,” is now officially the Mets’ all-time home run leader — a monumental milestone for the franchise’s homegrown star. - Emotional Confirmation
Darryl Strawberry, the previous record-holder, offered heartfelt congratulations via a video message, praising Alonso’s perseverance, connection to New York, and deserving rise to the top. - Future Uncertain, Legacy Secured
Alonso’s current two-year, $54 million deal has a player option for 2026 that he’s expected to decline. With free agency looming and his legacy now unassailable, questions remain about how long he’ll continue adding to his franchise-leading total.
Game Highlights at a Glance
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Record-Breaking Homer | 253rd career HR, surpassing Darryl Strawberry |
| Multi-Homer Game | Added 254th HR later in the game |
| Franchise Record Efficiency | Achieved in only 965 games (144 fewer than Strawberry) |
| Supporting Offense | Álvarez (2 HR), Nimmo, Baty also homered |
| Pitching Support | Soto (win), Hagenman (save), solid team effort |
| Season Impact | Snapped 7-game skid, bolstered playoff hopes |
Pete Alonso’s night wasn’t just about stats—it was a testament to dedication, consistency, and the power of fulfilling a childhood dream on the grandest stage. Fans at Citi Field didn’t just witness a record—they witnessed history in the making.
