Lindor’s Flu Game Propels Mets to Walk-Off Victory
After exiting Wednesday’s game with flu-like symptoms, Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was not in the starting lineup for Thursday’s matinee matchup against the Chicago Cubs.
This absence from the lineup was uncharacteristic for Lindor, who had appeared in every contest this season up to that point while also playing 161 games last season and 160 in 2022. As a testament to his durability, Lindor also missed just one game after fracturing his finger in 2022. While naysayers may criticize his performance at times, Lindor’s dedication to staying on the field is nothing short of admirable.
Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
Lindor discussed his mindset regarding that aspect of his game during his postgame interview with Steve Gelbs of SNY.
“I hate to come out of the games,” Lindor said. “I hate not playing.”
Nevertheless, manager Carlos Mendoza decided to utilize his star shortstop as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the sixth inning with two runners on base. His decision proved to be beneficial as Lindor smoked a 97.8 mph double that cleared the bases and tied the game.
Mendoza stated that he discussed a plan with Lindor prior to the game in which he would enter in the later innings with hopes of providing a spark.
“I’ll give you the first four or five innings off, because I know you’re going to come up big,” Mendoza said. “Be ready for that.”
Lindor’s heroics would not end there. In the bottom of the 11th inning, Harrison Bader reached first base after being hit by a pitch. With Bader on first and Brett Baty, the “ghost runner”, on second, Lindor stepped up to the plate with a chance to win the ballgame with one swing, and he did just that. He hit a 100 mph double into left field, and Bader’s speed took him all the way around the bases to cash in the winning run.
Mendoza showed his appreciation for Lindor after he played through an illness to help the team win.
“It says a lot about who he is as a player, as a person, and what he means to this team,” Mendoza said.
Lindor’s big 2-for-3 day, coupled with four RBIs, is part of a larger trend where he is 10-for-29 over his last eight games with three long balls and nine RBIs. While he started the season in an uninspiring fashion, he has looked much better at the plate since he received the standing ovation from the Citi Field crowd several weeks ago. Perhaps all he needed was a little encouragement and some time to return to his usual form.
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