The anticipation surrounding Pete Alonso's spring training debut for the Baltimore Orioles was palpable, and he didn't disappoint. While the New York Mets wait for their turn, Alonso was already making waves on Friday as the Orioles faced off against the New York Yankees.
In the bottom of the sixth, Alonso showcased his power, sending a ball soaring over the fence. Orioles fans welcomed him with open arms, and the ovation was a testament to the high expectations placed on his shoulders. Alonso is seen as a key player in turning around a team that underperformed last season.
His first at-bat ended with a groundout to the first baseman, but it was his second at-bat that caught everyone's attention. Alonso launched a deep drive to center field, only to be robbed by a spectacular defensive play from Yankees' Kenedy Corona. This was a highlight-reel moment, leaving Alonso without his first Orioles hit, but it certainly wasn't due to a lack of effort.
Kenedy Corona, a name that might ring a bell for Mets fans, was once part of a trade to the Houston Astros for Jake Marisnick. Corona's journey through the minors was impressive, peaking with 22 home runs in 2023, and he made his MLB debut with the Astros in 2025. Now with the Yankees, he's making a case for himself with plays like these, even if his chances of making the roster are slim without some roster shake-ups.
Alonso's patience paid off as he later homered, a promising sign for Orioles fans and a moment Mets fans can appreciate without any hard feelings. It's just the beginning, and if this is any indication, Alonso is set to have a significant impact this season.