Pete Alonso homers twice to reach 40 on the season, helps Orioles rally to 4-3 win over Blue Jays

BALTIMORE (AP) — Pete Alonso hit two home runs, including a crucial two-run shot in the eighth inning, leading the Baltimore Orioles to a 4-3 win against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday night. This victory puts the Orioles in a tight spot in the American League wild-card race. Alonso, who has already reached 40 home runs this season for the fourth time, has now put himself in a strong position to lead the league in both homers and RBIs, just one behind Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero.

After Toronto scored three runs in the first inning, Alonso became the second right-handed hitter in the last two seasons to homer against submarine right-hander Tyler Rogers. The Orioles' relief pitcher, Yennier Cano, secured the win in relief, while Rico Garcia recorded a perfect ninth inning, earning his 10th save. Despite a delayed start due to rain, the Blue Jays' Nathan Lukes and George Springer managed to hit RBI singles during Toronto’s three-run first inning.

However, the Orioles sealed the game with two more runs, including a double by Gunnar Henderson in the sixth inning.