As identified by Mathew Brownstein of the New York Instances, Lindor’s grand slam was simply the second in Mets postseason historical past and the primary since Edgardo Alfonzo in Recreation 1 of the 1999 NLDS.
Though Lindor has been stellar for the Mets since slumping early within the season, it’s going to be fascinating to see whether or not his newest hit will give him a second wind. Getting into Wednesday’s sport, Lindor was batting simply .227 with 5 hits and two RBI to start the postseason. If he is starting to warmth up once more, New York has an opportunity to drag off one other upset within the NLCS.
Phillies must make main modifications within the offseason
The Phillies clearly want to alter issues up this offseason, however the place do they go from right here?
Philadelphia entered 2024 with World Collection aspirations after falling brief in every of the previous two postseasons. Finally, the group loved a formidable common season, posting the second-best file in baseball (95-67) and capturing its first NL East title since 2011. But, it feels just like the Phillies took one other step again this October, elevating questions on their present core’s potential to achieve success within the postseason.
Nearly all of Philadelphia’s proficient lineup went ice-cold on the identical time. As per Delaware On-line’s Brandon Holveck, Philadelphia’s 5 via 9 hitters posted a mixed .116 batting within the NLDS. In the meantime, the bullpen, which was thought of a possible energy of the group, went on to have an 11.37 ERA within the collection, recording 38 outs whereas permitting 28 baserunners.
The team-wide meltdown makes discovering an answer all of the tougher for president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski. Changing hitting coach Kevin Lengthy looks as if a obligatory first step, although shifting on from third baseman Alec Bohm and outfielder Brandon Marsh additionally is sensible, on condition that they went a mixed 2-for-26 on the plate towards the Mets.
Mets want Edwin Diaz to show issues round to proceed their magical run
If the Mets intend to advance to the World Collection for the primary time since 2015, they desperately want extra consistency from their $102M nearer Diaz. The Puerto Rico native was the most effective nearer in baseball in 2022 however struggled throughout the common season after lacking 2023 with a knee harm, posting a 3.52 ERA with seven blown saves.
Diaz’s struggles have carried over into the postseason, as he allowed three earned runs and issued three walks whereas hanging out 5 batters throughout his first two outings.
The rollercoaster-like Diaz expertise reached its peak on Wednesday, with the right-hander strolling the primary two batters he confronted within the ninth inning whereas the Mets have been clinging to a three-run lead. Even so, Diaz rebounded, hanging out Phillies utilityman Kody Clemens earlier than getting Brandon Marsh to fly out to middle subject.
This arrange a duel towards Kyle Schwarber with a visit to the NLCS on the road, and Diaz struck out the designated hitter on 4 pitches to guide New York to victory.
Regardless of his shakiness, Diaz is undoubtedly New York’s most proficient bullpen arm and should stay within the nearer function. Nonetheless, Diaz should be sharper if he plans on having success towards the Mets’ NLCS opponent.
The important thing to success for Diaz shall be to find his signature slider extra successfully, contemplating he threw the pitch six occasions in Recreation 4, 4 of which have been balls, and one other resulted in an extended foul ball.
