Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Pete Alonso represented the Mets at Coors Field on Monday night in Denver for the 2021 T-Mobile Home Run Derby, hoping to defend his title from two years ago.
He put on a show in the first round with 35 home runs in his matchup against Royals catcher Salvador Perez, then soundly ousted division rival Juan Soto in the semifinals. Then he faced his toughest task in the finals against the inspiring story of the Derby in the Orioles’ Trey Mancini.
Mancini went on a tear as he put up 22 home runs and put the pressure on Alonso. But the Polar Bear did not crack; he did not stumble, he did not falter. He showed everyone why he won this event in 2019 as he used his extra time wisely and put up 23, coming from behind in the same manner in which he did to burn Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in Cleveland to defend his Home Run Derby title.
“I feel like I’m the best power hitter in the game,” Alonso said in an interview with ESPN after his repeat Home Run Derby performance. When asked about whether or not he’ll compete at the Derby next year in LA after being called out by the Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr., Alonso said “I’ll have to think about it.”
Congratulations to Pete Alonso, the 2021 Home Run Derby champion!
