In the first game of a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers, Pete Alonso’s decision made headlines. Playing for the Baltimore Orioles, Alonso attempted an unusual play that backfired in the top of the fourth inning.

Detroit’s Dillon Dingler hit a ball that appeared to be a straightforward catch for Alonso. With a runner on first, Alonso chose not to catch the ball directly. Instead, he let it fall to the ground, aiming to turn a double play.

Unfortunately, Alonso misjudged the situation. He fumbled the hop off the dirt and made an errant throw to second base. Consequently, both runners were declared safe, and Alonso received an error for the play.

If executed correctly, Alonso’s plan would have been seen as a smart move. However, taking such risks can lead to mistakes, as was evident in this instance. As a result of Alonso’s error, Detroit managed to score two runs during the fourth inning.

Despite the setback, Baltimore recovered to earn a 5-3 victory and end their three-game losing streak. Nonetheless, the game was not a highlight for Alonso, who also struggled offensively. He went 0-for-4 at bat, contributing to his inconsistent performance this season. So far, Alonso has hit 10 homers and logged 32 RBIs, but his batting average stands at .224.

Alonso’s underwhelming day clashed with his substantial contract. He secured a five-year, $155 million deal with the Orioles in the offseason, translating to an annual salary of $31 million.

Mark Harris is a writer for OutKick.