{
  "id": 9062345,
  "title": "Pete Alonso’s 40th home run lifts Orioles past Blue Jays",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/pete-alonsos-40th-home-run-lifts-orioles-past-blue-jays",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-22T02:16:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/pete-alonso-40th-home-run-021600116.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "BALTIMORE — In a season plagued by uncertainty, Baltimore Orioles star Pete Alonso has stood out as a stabilizing force. Signing a five-year, $155 million contract last offseason, Alonso delivered on Monday night, leading the team to a 4-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays (77-80) at Camden Yards. After the Orioles suffered two consecutive shutouts against Milwaukee over the weekend, Alonso's two home runs, including a pivotal two-run shot in the eighth inning, erased a one-run deficit and secured Baltimore's first lead of the game. This win keeps the Orioles' elimination number in the American League wild-card race at two. Christian Franklin's walk to open the eighth, Mason Fluharty's strikeouts, and Tyler Rogers' pitching allowed Alonso to crush a 400-foot home run for his 40th of the season. Alonso became the ninth Orioles player to reach this milestone, joining Frank Robinson, Mark Trumbo, and Nelson Cruz. Following a brief rain delay, Mason Fluharty's error led to Toronto's initial run. George Springer's RBI single and Sean Keys' sacrifice fly extended the Blue Jays' lead to 3-0. However, Alonso's power hitting shifted the game's momentum. The Orioles' offense then quieted, with Toronto failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities. A day after criticizing players' preparation and in-game awareness, Orioles manager Craig Albernaz broadened his critique, emphasizing the need for proper execution beyond fundamentals. Despite these issues, Alonso's consistent performance again demonstrated what Baltimore could rely on in a season marred by inconsistency.",
  "summary": "BALTIMORE — Where would the Baltimore Orioles be without Pete Alonso? In a season short on bright spots, Alonso has been one of the few constants. Baltimore committed five years and $155 million to him last offseason, and Monday night he gave the club another reminder of why. After the Orioles were shut out in their final two games against Milwaukee over the weekend, Alonso supplied nearly all ...",
  "key_points": [
    "Pete Alonso hits 40th home run, 400-foot shot for Orioles",
    "Orioles defeat Blue Jays 4-3, clinching AL wild-card spot",
    "Alonso becomes 9th Orioles player to reach 40 HR milestone"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/9062345.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Blue Jays center fielder Brett Bateman injured while making sliding catch against Orioles",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/blue-jays-center-fielder-brett-bateman-injured-while-making-sliding-9049205",
        "published": "2026-09-22T00:59:31.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Blue Jays center fielder Brett Bateman injured while making sliding catch against Orioles",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/blue-jays-center-fielder-brett-bateman-injured-while-making-sliding",
        "published": "2026-09-22T01:00:49.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}