Francisco Lindor Delivers in Big Moment

Being mentioned in the same sentence as the Chicago White Sox is not a good thing, certainly for this season. Entering Wednesday, the New York Mets had been hitting .195 with runners in scoring position since July 14, the third-worst mark in baseball. After being one of the best offenses in June and July, the […]

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Being mentioned in the same sentence as the Chicago White Sox is not a good thing, certainly for this season. Entering Wednesday, the New York Mets had been hitting .195 with runners in scoring position since July 14, the third-worst mark in baseball. After being one of the best offenses in June and July, the Mets have stumbled in recent weeks. On Wednesday, the team needed a big hit in a big spot.

The Mets called on Francisco Lindor in a critical moment and delivered. With the score tied at 2-2 going into the ninth inning, a triple from Francisco Álvarez and consecutive walks from Ben Gamel and Tyrone Taylor loaded the bases. With one out, the lineup turned over to Lindor. The shortstop jumped on the first pitch from Colorado Rockies reliever Victor Vodnik, driving in two with a line drive into left field. The Mets took a two-run lead, which would be extended a few minutes later thanks to an RBI single from Jesse Winker.

Lindor’s single proved to be the defining moment, as the Mets held on for the 5-3 win. He credited hitting coach Jeremy Barnes in his post-game chat with SNY’s Steve Gelbs. “It was more of a mechanical approach. I talked to Jeremy [Barnes] before the at-bat. I just felt like something was off. Talking to Jeremy, he helped me understand it. My approach: I am not a power hitter, so I am not really going up to the box looking to hit a home run. It may look like it, but I am not trying to,” Lindor said.

Executing with runners has been an issue as of late. But overall, the Mets have been good in the area for most of this season. The team is slashing .262/.351/.456/.807 with runners in scoring position. With two outs and runners in scoring position, they are slashing .254/.341/.442/.783 this season. Really good numbers across the board.

Lindor wasn’t the only one to record a hit with a runner in scoring position in Wednesday’s win. Pete Alonso opened the scoring with an RBI single, putting the Mets on the board in the top of the first. His inability to do damage in those at-bats has been criticized, but he had a great approach in that instance.

The Mets have the pieces in place to remain an elite offense. However, taking advantage of big opportunities is crucial to be considered in that tier. If the Mets can return to what worked so well earlier this summer, they will be in great shape as the National League’s Wild Card race heats up.

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