New York Mets Clinch Playoffs after Lindor Home Run in the 9th
The New York Mets clinched a wild card spot in the 2024 MLB Playoffs this afternoon, winning game 1 of today’s double-header against the Atlanta Braves. It was wild, with the Braves dominating 3-0 until the 8th inning, behind starting pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach.
He went seven shutout innings, then was pulled after allowing a leadoff double to Mets outfielder Tyrone Taylor. I thought it was a bit iffy in such a huge game, only at 94 pitches, but I’m no manager.
Reliever Joe Jiménez came in and got blasted, giving up three earned runs on three hits, without recording even a single out! Fellow reliever Raisel Iglesias was just as bad, giving up a single, a sacrifice fly, and then a game-changing 2-run home run to outfielder Brandon Nimmo.
The Mets were up 6-3 heading into the bottom of the 8th. RP Phil Maton came in for them, gave up a walk and single, before the Mets turned to closer, Edwin Diaz. He got an easy ground-out, then gave up an infield single, a walk, and then a double to second basemen, Ozzie Albies, driving in 3, to give Atlanta the lead back, going into the 9th.
For the second time in about 20 minutes, I thought it was over. The visiting half of the 9th started with a quick out. But then outfielder, Starling Marte, singled and it was time for the man. Mets MVP and likely the NL MVP, if Shohei Ohtani wasn’t a thing, Francisco Lindor stepped up to the plate and blasted a 2-run game-winning, playoff-clinching home run to center!
It was Lindor’s 33rd of the season, he also had 29 stolen bases. His average finished at .273, and that was after starting the season averaging .210 in April. The four-time all star and three-time Silver Slugger award winner hit .325 in August and .305 in September.
We have a clip below of Mets owner, Steve Cohen praising Lindor and the team.
