Francisco Lindor Launches Table-Setting Long Ball in Los Angeles

For Francisco Lindor‘s latest trick, he broke up the Dodgers’ postseason record-tying 33-inning scoreless streak.

“I was just trying to have a quality at-bat and get the guys going,” he said after the Mets’ 7-3 victory in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series. “I was not trying to hit a home run. Just trying to stay within myself. I’m trying to win. At the end of the day, this is not about me. It’s about doing whatever it takes to win.”

If Lindor’s first 2024 playoff homer felt like an earthquake that sent the Phillies home, this first-inning blast was an aftershock in a city that is familiar with tremors. (If you are keeping score at home, that means his home run in Atlanta was a foreshock.) Down a game in the series, the Mets welcomed the jolt.

“There’s always pressure,” Lindor said. “Pressure is a blessing. I would be lying to you if I said, ‘Yeah, I have no pressure.’ We have pressure. Playing the game in this type of environment, playing the game this late in the year, there is pressure. You just have to stay within yourself and go out there and try to execute.”

Lindor became the sixth Met to homer leading off a playoff game, joining Curtis Granderson (2015 WS, G5), José Reyes (2006 NLCS, G6), Lenny Dykstra (1986 WS, G3), Wayne Garrett (1973 WS, G3) and Tommie Agee (1969 WS, G3).

The Dodgers were not going to let Lindor execute in his next at-bat, intentionally walking him to load the bases for Mark Vientos, who hit the third grand slam in Mets’ postseason history. (Side note: the Mets have two playoff grand slams in three games after hitting one in their first 98 contests. (Side note to the side note: the Mets would have four playoff grand slams if Robin Ventura made it around the bases in 1999.))

“Come on Mark, please get it done,” Lindor said he thought while he took his lead at first base. “You know, come on. I know how good you are. Just get a good pitch and get it done.”

Lindor invested time in the 24-year-old Vientos and Brett Baty this past offseason, hosting them at Montverde Academy near Orlando to prepare for 2024.

“He’s a really good player,” Lindor said of Vientos. “And number 2, he understands that … he’s not bigger than the moment. That he’s got to be part of the moment. He’s going out there and he’s embracing every second he gets and every opportunity. He’s having a good time. He’s enjoying the ride.”

Vientos said he took the intentional walk personally, launching more than a few memes.

“That’s who he is,” Lindor said. “And I’m glad he took it personal. He’s got to continue to climb.”

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