In a thrilling game on Monday, the New York Mets toppled the Pittsburgh Pirates with a 7-2 victory. The star of the show was undoubtedly Francisco Lindor, who etched his name in the annals of Mets' history by becoming the first player since 2008 to hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases in a single season.
A Flurry of Home Runs
The game showcased an offensive onslaught from the Mets, with Jonathan Araúz, Daniel Vogelbach, and Brandon Nimmo all contributing to the barrage of home runs. However, it was Lindor's strategic base-running and successful steals, including his 20th stolen base of the season, that played a pivotal role in securing the win.
Notably, the Mets managed to score in each of the first six innings - a feat they hadn't achieved in a home game since June 25, 1987. Despite a spirited effort from the Pirates, highlighted by Ke'Bryan Hayes' RBI double, they fell short, marking their tenth loss in twelve visits to Citi Field.
Mets' Back-to-Back Wins
The victory marked back-to-back wins for the Mets, their first since the end of July. This streak arrived just prior to the trade deadline, which saw the departure of notable veterans such as Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander. Despite these losses, New York manager Buck Showalter expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, noting that "everybody seemed to make a contribution."
Lindor's Exceptional Performance
Lindor's impressive performance included a single, a double, and consistent scoring. A significant turning point came when he scored on Jeff McNeil's RBI single, capitalizing on a passed ball and wild pitch in rapid succession. His 20th stolen base of the season solidified his membership in the elite 20-20 club, joining other players who have hit 20 doubles, 20 triples, and 20 home runs all in one season. Remarkably, this is the third time Lindor has reached this milestone, having previously done so in 2018 and 2019 while playing for the Cleveland Guardians.
Overcoming Injury
Lindor's achievement is even more noteworthy considering it came following an injury that ended his streak of playing in 223 consecutive games. He credited his success to the support of his team, particularly first base coach Wayne Kirby.
Rookie Debut and Pitching Highlights
The victory also marked the debut of rookie Henry Davis, who made his mark with an RBI single. On the pitching side, Carlos Carrasco and Tyson Miller made notable contributions. Carrasco pitched through three innings, allowing two runs and four hits, while Miller, in his Mets debut, pitched two innings and secured his second career win.
Team Injuries
Looking ahead, right fielder Starling Marte, who has been dealing with a right groin strain, is set to become eligible to return from the injured list on Wednesday. However, left-handed pitcher Josh Walker, suffering a strained right oblique, has been placed on the 15-day injured list. Additionally, right-handed pitcher John Curtiss, dealing with a right elbow issue, was moved to the 60-day injured list.