NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 31: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets in action against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field on August 31, 2021 in New York City. This is a continuation of the April 11 game which was suspended due to inclement weather. The Mets defeated the Marlins 6-5. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
New York Mets fans got a scare when first baseman Pete Alonso took a pitch to the shoulder/head in the team’s Opening Day game against the Washington Nationals.
The New York Mets were making a good first impression on Opening Day, as they held a 5-1 lead entering the bottom of the ninth inning. However, the team and fanbase received quite the scare in that inning.
First baseman Pete Alonso had a 2-2 count against Mason Thompson, but he was hit high by a 94.9 mph sinker. Alonso’s helmet flew off before he hit the ground.
Manager Buck Showalter immediately pulled him from the game.
Mets: Pete Alonso hit in head, shoulder by pitch on Opening Day
Alonso did receive a bloody mouth as a result of the hit by pitch. While he did leave the game, he was shown back in the dugout, icing his mouth.
As shown in the SNY video linked above, Mets outfielder Starling Marte was not happy, where he was seen holding up three fingers. That signified the amount of times Mets players were hit by a pitch in the Opening Day game. Catcher James McCann was hit the other two times.
The Mets held on to win 5-1 to begin their season with a 1-0 record.