Pete Alonso received the loudest applause during the Mets’ player introductions on Friday.
This week, the slugging first baseman made a notable appearance and earned a curtain call after heading back to the dugout, setting the mood for Queens’ joyous home opener.
For the first time this season, the Mets have a winning record, triumphing 5-0 over the Blue Jays in front of a packed crowd at Citi Field.
This marked the fifth time in six years that the Mets clinched a victory during their home opener.
Last year, Alonso garnered cheers in NLCS Game 5 as the Mets faced what turned out to be their final game in Los Angeles.
This popular first baseman has returned with a two-year deal worth $54 million following lengthy negotiations, allowing fans to show their appreciation on this day.
After Francisco Lindor hit a double, Alonso cleared the right field fence against Kevin Gausman.
It was an intense week for Alonso, who hit a grand slam on Monday, followed by a three-run shot in the eighth innings two days later, leading to a comeback win in Miami.
The Mets (4-3) received excellent performance from Tylor Megill, who allowed two hits and three walks over 5¹/₃ scoreless innings, striking out four.
The right-hander has a 0.87 ERA across two starts so far this season.
Megill’s only significant challenge came when he retired Ernie Clement for the final out after yielding a second triple to George Springer.
Megill retired eight consecutive batters before walking Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Anthony Santander back-to-back in the sixth.
Reed Garrett took over for Megill, managing to get Andres Gimenez and Alejandro Kirk out to finish the inning.
The Mets scored three runs in the bottom of the inning, taking a 5-0 advantage.
Juan Soto contributed an RBI double for his first hit while wearing a Mets uniform as part of the rally.
Brandon Nimmo also recorded an RBI double and a sacrifice fly by Sterling Marte accounted for his third run of the inning. Lindor’s walk prolonged the inning.
Alonso was intentionally walked following Soto’s double.
AJ Minter and Max Kranick teamed up to throw scoreless innings for the last three frames.
The right-handed Kranick pitched the eighth and ninth in a solid display in straight games to begin the season.
