Orioles' Pete Alonso admits struggles after Pirates sweep

The star slugger takes responsibility for his poor performance in the series loss.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:34am

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Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso acknowledged his disappointing play during his team's three-game sweep at the hands of the Pittsburgh Pirates over the weekend. Alonso, who signed a big free agent contract with the Orioles this offseason, went just 1-for-12 at the plate in the series, reaching base only twice in 15 plate appearances. Despite the Orioles' slow 3-6 start to the season, Alonso remains optimistic that the team can turn things around if they play quality baseball and stay within themselves.

Why it matters

The Orioles entered the 2026 season with high expectations after signing Alonso and building a talented young core. However, their slow start, including this sweep at the hands of the Pirates, has raised concerns about whether the team can live up to the hype. Alonso's honest self-assessment and willingness to take responsibility for his play is an encouraging sign, but the Orioles will need more production from their star player to get their season back on track.

The details

In the three-game series against the Pirates, Alonso struggled mightily, going just 1-for-12 with a double and one walk. His lack of production was a major factor in the Orioles being swept by their division rival. Despite the team's slow 3-6 start to the season, Alonso remains confident that the Orioles can turn things around if they focus on playing quality baseball and executing at the individual level.

  • The Orioles were swept by the Pirates in a three-game series from April 4-6, 2026.

The players

Pete Alonso

The star first baseman for the Baltimore Orioles, who signed a big free agent contract with the team this offseason.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Orioles' division rival who swept them in a three-game series.

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What they’re saying

“We can do all the practice, take all the ground balls, take all the swings in the cage, take all the swings during our BP time. Just because you put in the work doesn't necessarily guarantee execution, and it comes down to individual efforts, concentration and execution.”

— Pete Alonso

“In the first two games [this series], I for sure fell short.”

— Pete Alonso

“If we play quality baseball and stay within ourselves, we'll be just fine. Just because we have a slow start doesn't mean anything towards the end.”

— Pete Alonso

What’s next

The Orioles will look to bounce back from their sweep against the Pirates when they face the Boston Red Sox in a four-game series starting on April 8th.

The takeaway

Alonso's honest self-reflection and willingness to take responsibility for his poor performance is a positive sign for the Orioles, who will need their star player to regain his form if they hope to turn their season around. The team's slow start has raised concerns, but Alonso's confidence that they can play quality baseball and stay within themselves suggests the Orioles still believe they can achieve their preseason goals.