Throughout their postseason journey, the New York Mets have demonstrated resilience, making adversity a key part of their success. Whether it was Pete Alonso’s go-ahead homer in the wild-card round or their response to losing Game 2 of the NLDS, the Mets have continuously found ways to bounce back. As Mets manager Carlos Mendoza put it after their 7-3 Game 2 win, “We’ve done that the whole year. We get punched in the face, and we continue to find ways to get back up. And it will continue to be that way.”
Francisco Lindor, who has been a pivotal figure for the Mets all season, once again played a crucial role. Leading off the game against Dodgers opener Ryan Brasier, Lindor worked the count to 2-1, fouling off four consecutive pitches. On the eighth pitch, Lindor got the one he wanted—a cutter at 89.7 mph—and crushed it 395 feet into the Mets’ bullpen, giving New York an early lead. “It was an important game today, especially after the way we played last night,” Mendoza said.
Lindor’s homer set the tone, but it was Mark Vientos who delivered the biggest blow of the game. In the second inning, with runners on second and third and two outs, the Dodgers decided to intentionally walk Lindor to get to Vientos. The young third baseman, who is having a breakout season, didn’t flinch. Despite falling behind 1-2 in the count, Vientos battled back to a full count, fouled off another pitch, and then launched a fastball into the right-center bleachers for a grand slam, giving the Mets a commanding 6-0 lead.
“I took it personally,” Vientos said of the Dodgers’ decision to walk Lindor. “I want to be up there during that at-bat, for sure. I want them to walk Lindor in that situation and put me up there… You want me up? I’m gonna show you. Whatever”, told Fox Sports.
Vientos has been on fire this postseason, slashing .378/.410/.676 with three home runs. Despite his youth, he has emerged as one of the Mets’ most reliable hitters. “I’ve been a sponge around all these guys,” Vientos said. “Lot of great players I’m surrounded by. I ask a lot of questions, especially in times like this, because I haven’t been in the postseason.”
New York’s lineup, led by Lindor, Vientos, and Alonso, showed impressive discipline and a sustainable approach against L.A.’s bullpen. The Mets have both Luis Severino and José Quintana lined up for Games 3 and 4 and feel confident heading back home with the series tied 1-1. “We’ve got a chance to take the series there at home,” closer Edwin Díaz said. “So I feel really good. We are really happy.”