Pete Alonso nears history with his 251st HR, but a costly error by Brett Baty leads to a 7-6 Mets loss vs. the Guardians on Aug 5, 2025. A historic night ends in heartbreak.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a night of conflicting emotions at Citi Field. On one hand, the sheer electricity of Pete Alonso launching his 251st career home run, bringing him to the very brink of franchise history. On the other, the gut-punch of a 7-6 loss to the Cleveland Guardians in 10 innings, sealed by a costly error. It's a game that perfectly captures the modern Mets experience: a moment of pure joy, immediately followed by the sting of what could have been.
With his 251st career home run, Pete Alonso is now just one homer shy of tying Darryl Strawberry’s all-time Mets record.
The game was a seesaw affair that ultimately tipped the wrong way. Pete Alonso was the undisputed star, not just for his historic blast but for a four-hit night that included a crucial RBI single in the eighth. Mark Vientos did his part, tying the game late with a sacrifice fly that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Starter Sean Manaea battled, giving up five runs over 5 2/3 innings, but the bullpen kept it close until the very end. Unfortunately, the final chapter was a painful one. A throwing error by Brett Baty in the top of the 10th allowed the go-ahead run to score, a deflating end to a hard-fought game that saw Ryan Helsley tagged with the loss.
Let's focus on the bright spot: the Polar Bear is hunting. With three home runs in his last four games, Alonso is locked in. His 251st shot puts him one away from tying Darryl Strawberry's 252, a record that has stood for decades. For a homegrown talent like Pete to be on the verge of becoming the franchise's all-time home run king is a special moment for the entire fanbase. Every at-bat is now an event, a chance to witness history. He's not just a power threat; he's on the cusp of immortality in Queens.
While the big league club dealt with the drama on the field, the front office was busy shaping the present and future. To bolster a bullpen in need of a fresh arm, the team called up right-hander Dom Hamel from Triple-A Syracuse. The 26-year-old prospect, recently converted to a relief role, is embracing the chance to contribute. Looking further ahead, the Mets also officially announced their 2025 draft class. The 20-player haul is headlined by first-round pick Mitch Voit and is notably heavy on pitching, with 16 arms joining the system. It's a clear organizational focus on building the next wave of talent from the mound up.
It's a tough loss to swallow, no doubt about it, especially when victory felt within reach. But at 63-50, the Mets are still in a solid position. The focus now shifts to the next game against the Guardians. Every single time Pete Alonso steps to the plate, it will be must-see TV. Will he tie the record? Will he break it? The sting of tonight's loss will fade, but the anticipation for history is just getting started.
