Spring training roundup: Pete Alonso homers again as O's tie Tigers

Offseason acquisition Pete Alonso homered for the second time in as many games to fuel the Baltimore Orioles to a 4-4 tie against the Detroit Tigers.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 10:22pm

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Offseason acquisition Pete Alonso homered for the second time in as many games to fuel the Baltimore Orioles to a 4-4 tie against the Detroit Tigers on Sunday in Lakeland, Fla. Heston Kjerstad also homered and Jose Barrero ripped an RBI double in the fourth to stake the Orioles to a 4-3 lead. However, Max Clark forged a tie with a run-scoring single in the ninth. Austin Slater launched a solo homer in the third inning for the Tigers.

Why it matters

Spring training games provide an early look at how teams and players are shaping up ahead of the upcoming MLB season. Alonso's hot start at the plate is an encouraging sign for the Orioles, who are looking to build on a promising 2025 campaign.

The details

Alonso, who signed a five-year, $155 million contract with the Orioles in December, belted a two-run homer in Friday's game against the New York Yankees before going deep in the third inning on Sunday. The Orioles also got homers from Heston Kjerstad and an RBI double from Jose Barrero to take a 4-3 lead, but the Tigers tied it in the ninth on a run-scoring single by Max Clark. Austin Slater hit a solo homer for Detroit.

  • The game was played on Sunday, February 22, 2026 in Lakeland, Florida.

The players

Pete Alonso

An offseason acquisition for the Baltimore Orioles who has homered in each of his first two spring training games.

Heston Kjerstad

An Orioles player who hit a home run in the game.

Jose Barrero

An Orioles player who hit an RBI double in the fourth inning.

Max Clark

A Detroit Tigers player who hit a run-scoring single in the ninth inning to tie the game.

Austin Slater

A Detroit Tigers player who hit a solo home run in the third inning.

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The takeaway

Alonso's early power display is an encouraging sign for the Orioles as they look to build on their 2025 success, while the Tigers were able to rally late to earn the tie in this spring training matchup.