Francisco Lindor showcased his star power in a pivotal moment for the New York Mets, hitting a dramatic grand slam that led the team to a 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. This win secured the Mets’ place in the National League Championship Series, marking their return since 2015, and they’ll face the winner of the series between the Padres and the Dodgers.
The Phillies initially took the lead in the fourth inning, capitalizing on a mistake from the Mets in a must-win situation. However, the excitement shifted dramatically in the sixth inning when Lindor stepped up to the plate with one out and the bases loaded. Facing reliever Carlos Estevez, he sent a blazing 99.4 mph fastball into the stands beyond center field.
Lindor’s home run had an exit velocity of 109.5 mph and traveled 398 feet, igniting the 44,103 fans at Citi Field into a frenzy. With this hit, he joined Edgardo Alfonzo as one of only two Mets players to hit a grand slam in postseason history.
It’s worth noting that Lindor previously made his mark in the playoffs back in 2017 when he was with the Guardians, hitting a grand slam against the Yankees during the American League Division Series. With two career postseason grand slams, he has now tied the MLB record, joining the ranks of players like Shane Victorino and Jim Thome.