ATLANTA — The one player the Mets couldn’t afford to lose was Pete Alonso. But an absolute nightmare scenario played out in the start of Game 1 at Truist Field on Wednesday night when Alonso was hit by a pitch and taken out of the game.
As is typical with the Mets, the whole ordeal sparked controversy.
With two over and two over, Braves starter Charlie Morton came in with a 97 MPH fastball and hit Alonso inside his left wrist. The slugger and home run league leader fell in a heap.
However, the injury appears to be minor. Alonso underwent x-rays, which turned out to be negative. He was diagnosed with a left wrist contusion and is being considered day to day.
Tommy Pham was inserted as a pinch runner and stayed in the game in left field.
Mark Canha was moved to first base. Rookie Mark Vientos left the dugout steps to get a helmet, but the Mets opted for Pham instead. Morton looked shaken on the mound.
Braves fans booed Alonso as he came to the plate to the tune of the organist’s “Hush Little Baby, Don’t Say a Word.” The song referenced Tuesday night when Alonso was caught on a dugout camera chewing with Atlanta right-hander Bryce Elder after he caught him in the third inning.
Alonso seemed to be saying, “Relaunch it!”
Elder didn’t hear it, but later told reporters he didn’t dispute it. It was game for Alonso. Atlanta fans, however, took issue: A packed crowd booed Alonso after he was dunked and as he walked off the court injured as well.
The home run, a massive shot from 448 feet, was Alonso’s 22nd of the year. Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, who is currently on the disabled list, has the second-most home runs with 19. The 2019 National League Rookie of the Year and two-time star was the heart and soul of this Mets team. An emotional leader in the clubhouse and a leader on the field, he is an early contender for the NL MVP title.
Brett Baty helped the Mets rally behind their fallen leader, fielding a single to center to score Jeff McNeil and give the visitors a 1-0 lead. Francisco Alvarez hit his ninth homer of the season in the second to make it 2-0.
()
denverpost
