New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, bad back and all, came up with arguably the biggest hit of his MLB career on Wednesday night in Game 4 of the National League Division Series at Citi Field. The Mets had twice loaded the bases earlier in the game but had failed to cash in on any runs.
So when New York, trailing the Phillies 1–0 in the bottom of the sixth inning, loaded the bases a third time, it was paramount that the club at least tie the game. Enter Lindor.
Facing Phillies flamethrower Carlos Estevez, Lindor saw a 99-MPH fastball right down broadway on the fourth pitch of the at-bat and crushed it into the center field seats for a go-ahead grand slam, sending Citi Field into a frenzy in the process.
FRANCISCO LINDOR. GRAND SLAM. #NLDS pic.twitter.com/CdKuEVOfT3
— MLB (@MLB) October 9, 2024
New York’s relievers did the job from there. Uusal starting pitcher David Peterson earned the win out of the bullpen by pitching 2 1/3 scoreless innings. The Phillies were able to bring the tying run to the plate in the ninth inning after Mets closer Edwin Diaz walked the first two hitters he faced, but he retired Kody Clemens, Brandon Marsh and Kyle Schwarber to eliminate Philadelphia.
MLB fans were in awe of Lindor.
Lindor is the real MVP
— 0xAllen 🛡️🦇🔊 (@0xAllen_) October 9, 2024
THE MVP
— MetsMuse (@MetsMuse) October 9, 2024
Every day we give thanks that Francisco Lindor chooses to walk among us instead of ascending to the higher plane of existence where he belongs.
— Ted Berg (@OGTedBerg) October 9, 2024
I have never loved an athlete more than I love Francisco Lindor.
— Sean Fennessey (@SeanFennessey) October 9, 2024
Some couldn't believe that the normally-bubbly Lindor didn't even crack a smile after the huge postseason homer.
The fact that Francisco Lindor has hit some of the biggest home runs in Mets history and hasn’t even cracked a smile on any of them. The man is a stone cold killer.
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) October 9, 2024
Others were ready to declare Lindor the NL MVP.
I AM GOING TO OCEAN’S 11 THE MVP TROPHY FROM OHTANI AND GIVE IT TO FRANCISCO LINDOR
— Bobby Wagner (@bwags) October 9, 2024
Mets fans agreed, as they serenaded Lindor with MVP chants after the home run.
With Citi Field fans chanting “MVP.” Francisco Lindor grand slam gives Mets 4-1 lead
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 9, 2024
Should the Mets bullpen preserve the 4-1 lead, New York will be headed to the National League Championship Series for the first time since 2015.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Francisco Lindor Rips Clutch Grand Slam vs. Phillies to Lead Mets to NLCS.
