On Friday night, Francisco Lindor played the hero for the New York Mets, smashing a dramatic walk-off home run to lift his team to a thrilling 5-4 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field. This momentous blast not only marked Lindor's first walk-off home run as a Met but also celebrated his 250th career homer, making him the 19th active player to reach this milestone.
The game was a rollercoaster affair, with the Mets (now 13-7) fighting back from behind multiple times to secure back-to-back wins. The excitement began in the fifth inning when Brett Baty doubled, setting the stage for Juan Soto, who delivered a game-tying RBI single, snapping an 0-for-12 slump. The Mets then found themselves trailing again after the Cardinals regained the lead in the sixth inning. However, Mark Vientos stepped up, tying the game at 3-3 with a solo home run, his second in as many games.
In the eighth inning, the Mets took a brief lead thanks to an RBI double from Luis Torrens, but the Cardinals answered back in the ninth with a homer from Brendan Donovan, tying the game once more. With the pressure on, Huascar Brazoban took the mound in the ninth and struck out the side after allowing the tying run, setting the stage for Lindor's heroics.
When Lindor stepped up to the plate, he was 0-for-4, having struggled through the earlier innings. However, he remained unfazed. "It felt fantastic because I knew we were going to win," Lindor said after the game. The pitch he faced was a 91 mph cutter from Ryan Fernandez, which Lindor crushed at 108.8 mph off the bat, sending the ball soaring into the upper deck—a distance of 401 feet.
Manager Carlos Mendoza praised Lindor's composure and ability to thrive under pressure, stating, "That’s why he’s an elite player and a special player. The moment is never too big for him. He knows what’s at stake, and he lives for those moments.” Lindor's performance is a testament to his growth and resilience, especially compared to last season when he struggled early on.
As Lindor rounded the bases, he kept his head down, a sign of his focus and determination. He didn’t watch the ball land; instead, he turned to his dugout, where his teammates were already spilling onto the field to celebrate. "It felt like a fantastic team win," Lindor reflected. "When you help the team win after all the guys did, it felt really good." His teammates, including Soto, who had a significant impact by ending his slump, and pitchers like David Peterson and Max Kranick, contributed to the victory, showcasing the depth and talent within the Mets' roster.
Lindor's journey to this moment has been significant. After a stellar 2024 season, he has continued to be a key player for the Mets, batting .263 with two home runs and two stolen bases through the first 19 games of the 2025 season. His recent performance also includes a .321 batting average over his last 14 games, dispelling any concerns about a slow start.
Friday night’s game was not only a personal milestone for Lindor but also a crucial victory for the Mets as they aim to solidify their standing in the early part of the season. The four-game series against the Cardinals continues on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 4:05 p.m., featuring a pitching matchup between Kodai Senga and Matthew Liberatore. The Mets will look to capitalize on their momentum and continue their strong home performance, having won seven of their eight games at Citi Field this season.
With Lindor leading the charge, the Mets are poised for a promising season, and fans are eager to see what other thrilling moments await.
