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NEW YORK (AP) — In a thrilling moment during game six, Francisco Lindor launched a grand slam that cemented his reputation as a clutch player this season. The New York Mets secured their spot in the National League Championship Series with a 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday.
As Edwin Díaz struck out Kyle Schwarber with two runners on base, the Mets celebrated their triumph in Game 4 of the Division Series, concluding this postseason series at home for the first time in 24 years.
“My goal is to win everything. This team will forever be part of history,” said Lindor, who shared the moment in the interview room, cradling one of his young daughters drinking from a Gatorade bottle.
“This is a team that will be remembered, where we will eat for free for a decade. That’s what I aspire to achieve. However, we still have work to do.”
Filled with emotion, outfielder Brandon Nimmo wrapped his arms around Lindor as the Mets joyously flooded the field after the final out.
In a jubilant locker room, the team celebrated their first champagne shower at Citi Field in its 16-season history. The last time the Mets clinched a playoff series in their own stadium was back in the 2000 NLCS at Shea Stadium.
“I’ve always dreamed of moments like this,” Nimmo expressed in a clubhouse interview showcased on the massive center field videoboard. “We’ve worked hard for our fans, and it’s thrilling to finally deliver.”
After their bubbly rejoicings, the Mets now prepare to kick off the best-of-seven NLCS on Sunday against either the San Diego Padres or Los Angeles Dodgers, who are tied 2-2 heading into Game 5 of their Division Series on Friday in Los Angeles.
“Let’s keep this momentum going!” shouted slugger Pete Alonso to the exuberant fans still lingering in the stands as he emerged from the clubhouse for an on-field interview, donning huge protective goggles. “I’m so proud of this team. We’ve faced numerous challenges and prevailed.”
New York is now vying for its third World Series title, the first since 1986.
“I’m keen to change the negative perceptions surrounding Mets fans, and we’re well on our way to achieving that,” said owner Steve Cohen.
For the Phillies, who achieved an impressive 95 wins and finished six games ahead of the wild-card Mets in the regular season, this early playoff exit was disheartening—particularly after their run to the 2022 World Series and a disappointing loss in Games 6 and 7 of the 2023 NLCS against Arizona at home.
Even with an array of talents like Bryce Harper, the quest for the franchise’s third championship continues, following another October setback.
“We have a talented team. We simply lost in a brief series,” manager Rob Thomson remarked.
Struggles surfaced at the plate, as the Mets left bases loaded during the first and second innings against Ranger Suárez and stranded eight runners throughout the initial five frames.
They managed to load the bases again in the sixth without anyone out, but No. 9 batter Francisco Alvarez was forced out at home with a grounder against All-Star reliever Jeff Hoffman, who had warmed up multiple times prior to entering the game.
With their postseason aspirations hanging by a thread, Thomson called upon closer Carlos Estévez to pitch to Lindor. On a 2-1 fastball that reached 99 mph, Lindor drove the ball into the Philadelphia bullpen in right-center, extending New York’s lead to 4-1 and igniting a euphoric response from the sold-out crowd of 44,103.
“As soon as he hit it, I knew it was gone,” Estévez reflected. “The pitch wasn’t executed properly—should have been higher—and it became clear that he connected perfectly.”
With his first postseason home run, Lindor entered elite company, joining Shane Victorino and Hall of Famer Jim Thome as the only players with two grand slams in playoff history. His previous playoff slam was with Cleveland in the 2017 AL Division Series against the Yankees.
Edgardo Alfonzo is the only other Met to achieve a postseason grand slam, recorded during the 1999 Division Series in Arizona. Robin Ventura’s grand slam single in the NLCS that year is not counted.
“With runners on base, we had to wait for our moment, and who else but our MVP to step up,” said Mets rookie manager Carlos Mendoza. “It feels like we’re in a movie. There’s an incredible calmness about Lindor as he controls the situation, and time after time, he delivers.”
As Lindor left the dugout, fans chanted “MVP! MVP!” and repeated the accolades when he took his defensive position in the seventh inning.
Game 3 marked Lindor’s return to Citi Field for the first time since September 8, as a back injury had sidelined him towards the season’s end. Yet, few players have matched his significance to this team. Lindor has consistently provided vital hits and made timely contributions, spurring the Mets from a dismal 24-35 start to their first NLCS appearance since falling to Kansas City in the 2015 World Series.
His pivotal ninth-inning homer on September 11 against Toronto not only thwarted Bowden Francis’ no-hit bid but also ignited an essential victory for the Mets. Additionally, his go-ahead shot during the ninth inning against Atlanta on September 30 solidified New York’s playoff berth.
“This journey is getting more exhilarating,” Cohen remarked. “In these crucial moments, he simply continues to perform.”
Lindor also showcased resilience, fighting off a 1-2 count to earn an eight-pitch walk leading off the ninth inning against All-Star closer Devin Williams last week in Milwaukee, helping set the stage for Alonso’s go-ahead homer that clinched the Wild Card Series and secured the Mets’ season.
“It’s been a challenging journey, but we aren’t yet where we aim to be,” said Lindor. “This path has been full of twists and turns, but I wouldn’t change anything.”
Mets starter Jose Quintana was stellar, allowing no earned runs over five-plus innings with just two hits, while David Peterson contributed 2 1/3 scoreless innings for the victory.
Díaz started the ninth inning by walking his first two batters, causing tension among fans. Still, he regrouped to retire the next three—two by way of strikeout—earning the first postseason save of his career.
The Phillies, who struggled at the plate throughout the series aside from a dramatic win in Game 2, scored their only run attributed to an error by third baseman Mark Vientos in the fourth inning.
Hoffman took his second loss, reflecting the continued troubles of a Phillies bullpen that faltered throughout the series.
“It boils down to execution, and perhaps we weren’t familiar enough with our players,” Thomson admitted. “But this is something that needs to work both ways.”
LOOKING AHEAD
This season, New York went 5-2 against the Padres and 2-4 versus the Dodgers.
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB
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