NEW YORK (AP) — Pete Alonso launched his 251st home run of his career on Monday evening, bringing him just one short of Darryl Strawberry's all-time New York Mets record. However, the Cleveland Guardians managed to secure a 7-6 victory in extra innings despite blowing a five-run advantage.
Gabriel Arias hit a 440-foot, three-run home run into left-center field, capping off a five-run sixth-inning rally against Sean Manaea, who had previously allowed RBI singles from David Fry and Carlos Santana during the same frame.
Alonso, taking the role of designated hitter for the 59th time in his professional journey, launched a 388-foot drive into left-center during the fifth inning facing Slade Cecconi. The power hitter has now recorded three home runs over his past four matches.
Alonso recorded his fourth hit, a run-producing base knock, in the eighth inning, followed by Mark Vientos hitting a tying sacrifice fly.
Cade Smith (4-4) managed to get out of a bases-full, one-out situation in the ninth inning. An automatic runner, Daniel Schneemann, scored the game-winning run in the tenth after third baseman Brett Baty missed second base on David Fry’s bunt against Ryan Helsley (3-2). Arias then contributed with a sacrifice fly.
Nic Enright recorded his initial career save even though he gave up Baty's run-scoring base hit with two outs in the tenth inning.
Manaea allowed five runs and recorded three strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings. Cecconi gave up three runs (two of which were earned) along with six strikeouts in six innings.
Key moment
Smith concluded the ninth inning by striking out Alonso and inducing Jeff McNeil to hit a groundout to second base.
Key stat
Alonso came into Monday hitting only .218 in 220 plate appearances as a designated hitter. ... Manaea pitched 56 balls over his first five perfect innings but used 29 in the sixth.
Up next
The three-game interleague matchup resumes on Tuesday, with Mets right-handed pitcher Clay Holmes (9-6, 3.45 ERA) facing off against Guardians lefty Logan Allen (7-9, 4.06).
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