Francisco Lindor led the New York Mets to a 7-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday. Lindor also became the first Met since 2008 to claim 20 home runs and 20 steals in a single season.
The game showcased a flurry of home runs from the Mets' lineup, with Jonathan Araúz, Daniel Vogelbach and Brandon Nimmo contributing to the offensive onslaught. Lindor's strategic base-running and successful steals, including his 20th stolen base of the season, played a crucial role in securing the victory.
The Mets managed to score in each of the first six innings, a feat that they hadn't achieved in a home game since June 25, 1987.
Meanwhile, despite a spirited effort from the Pirates, highlighted by Ke'Bryan Hayes' RBI double, they fell short, marking their tenth loss in twelve visits to Citi Field.
The back-to-back wins for the Mets, the first since the end of July, occurred just prior to the trade deadline, which saw the departure of notable veterans such as Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, among others.
New York manager Buck Showalter expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance.
"Solid, everybody seemed to make a contribution," he said.
Lindor's exceptional performance included a single, a double and consistently crossing the plate for runs. A significant turning point happened when he scored on Jeff McNeil's RBI single, benefiting from advancing two bases due to a passed ball and wild pitch in rapid succession.
Lindor's 20th stolen base of the season came during the same game, cementing his membership in the 20-20 club to join other players that have hit 20 doubles, 20 triples and 20 home runs all in one season.
Lindor has now reached this milestone three times in his career. He accomplished the same feat in 2018 and 2019 while playing for the Cleveland Guardians. Carlos Beltrán was the last Mets player to achieve this feat in 2008, with 27 home runs and 25 stolen bases.
"Just another very quiet milestone he reaches to remind us all what a splendid player he is," said Showalter.
Overcoming injury
Lindor's accomplishment came following an injury that ended his streak of playing in 223 consecutive games.
Lindor said he hadn't noticed his 20 steals until Vogelbach brought it to his attention. He attributed his success to the support of his team, especially highlighting the guidance of first base coach Wayne Kirby.
The victory also witnessed the debut of rookie Henry Davis, who marked his New York entrance with an RBI single.
The Mets' pitching staff also made notable contributions through Carlos Carrasco. He pitched through three innings, allowing two runs and four hits. Tyson Miller, also making his Mets debut, pitched two innings and secured his second career win.
Right fielder Starling Marte, who has been grappling with a right groin strain, is set to become eligible to return from the injured list on Wednesday.
Left-handed pitcher Josh Walker, who suffered a strained right oblique, has been placed on the 15-day injured list. Meanwhile, right-handed pitcher John Curtiss, dealing with a right elbow issue, was moved to the 60-day injured list.