The New York Mets defeated the Atlanta Braves in game 1 of a doubleheader on Monday to advance to their first postseason since 2022.
Big-time players have big-time games in big-time moments, and that is exactly what happened in this back-and-forth game on Monday.
A game where the winner would clinch a playoff spot meant that it had a playoff-type atmosphere.
According to FOX Sports: MLB on ‘X,’ Francisco Lindor of the Mets hit a clutch home run in the 9th inning to secure a postseason berth for his team.
LINDOR FOR THE LEAD!!!
(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/rujqrUXKHZ
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 30, 2024
The game between the Mets and Braves was a pitcher’s duel for most of the game which saw the Braves leading 3-0 in the 8th inning.
That all changed when the Mets put up 6 runs in the top of the 8th to take a 6-3 lead.
Just when Mets fans thought they could take a sigh of relief, the Braves came back and put up 4 runs of their own in the bottom of the 8th inning.
With the score now 7-6 Braves in the 9th, the final scoring of the game would take place on a clutch 2-run home run by Most Valuable Player candidate Lindor to take an 8-7 lead.
Lindor has been battling a back injury recently and admitted that he was not 100% for this game.
The injury didn’t matter however as Lindor continued what he has been doing all season for the Mets.
His 33rd home run of the year was undoubtedly the biggest one as it sends the Mets to the postseason with the second half of the doubleheader remaining.
NEXT: Mets GM Says 'This Could Be The Year'