Acce s the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. Pete Alonso began the day with his consecutive games streak in jeopardy, but ended it with his franchise record still progre sing. The Mets first baseman was absent from Sundays starting lineup with a right hand contusion, but entered the game as a defensive replacement for Mark Vientos at first base in the seventh inning of the . Alonso, who appeared in his 354th straight game since 2023, struck out in his lone plate appearance in the eighth inning. Alonso said he got jammed by the pitching machine in the indoor batting cage Saturday and his hand was aggravated following contact in his second at-bat of the game. Pete Alonso strikes out looking during the Mets win over the Reds on July 20. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post Pete Alonso talks with Mets manager Carlos Mendoza during their July 20 game. Robert Sabo for the NY Post X-rays were negative, but it was decided Alonso would begin Sundays game on the bench. I think the hand is in a really good spot, Alonso said. Especially with swelling and pain management, so I got to a point where I felt I could go and help the team. Manager Carlos Mendoza indicated Alonso will Christian Wood Jersey be evaluated on a daily basis, but its expected he will return to the starting lineup Monday. Pete Alonso entered the Mets July 20 game in the seventh inning. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post Explore More The mi sed start was Alonsos first since May 30, 2024. Vientos started his third career game at first base. CHECK OUT THE AND In the first inning, he couldnt grab Luisangel Acuas offline throw, leading to an error for the second baseman that allowed the Reds to score an unearned run. Ryne Stanek said he got the sense he might be needed for the ninth inning after Edwin Daz reached about 15 pitches in the eighth. Daz was summoned with the tying run on first base and two outs and allowed a walk and infield single before drilling Spencer Steer with the bases loaded to tie it 2-2. Ryne Stanek reacts after securing the save for the Mets during their July 20 win. Robert Sabo for the NY Post Daz struck out Tyler Stephenson to escape the inning. Stanek, who had converted only one of his previous five save opportunities this season, entered for the ninth after the Mets had taken a 3-2 lead and got the final three outs. Its where you want to be and pitching in those situations, Stanek said. You try not to even think about the crowd or anything else that is going on. Delivering insights on all things Amazins Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Acuas fifth-inning RBI double gave him his first extra-base hit in 77 at-bats, dating to May 2. The RBI was his first in 63 at-bats, dating to May 9. Stanley Johnson Jersey