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Francisco Lindor Had Strong Words for Mets Teammate After Dodgers Game
© Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Paul Blackburn made a triumphant return to the mound Monday night, helping lead the New York Mets to a gritty 4-3 win over the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers. It was Blackburn’s first major league start in over nine months, his last appearance coming on Aug. 23, 2024. The 31-year-old right-hander showed no signs of rust, delivering one of the most impactful outings of his nine-year career.

Working with precision and poise, Blackburn threw 77 pitches—49 for strikes—while allowing just three hits and one walk. He leaned heavily on his cutter against a lefty-stacked Dodgers lineup, opting not to throw a single fastball. 

“I can’t really rely on a single pitch,” Blackburn explained postgame (via SNY).

He struck out Shohei Ohtani twice and ended a fifth-inning threat by inducing a groundout with the tying runs on base—an exclamation point on a comeback performance that energized the Mets clubhouse.

One of Blackburn’s biggest supporters was shortstop Francisco Lindor, who continued his own streak of excellence. Lindor homered in the win, extending the Mets’ record to 27 straight victories when he leaves the yard.

“I was super happy,” Lindor told SNY after the game. “He’s been going through a lot and grinding. Just because he hasn’t played doesn’t mean he hasn’t been working hard. To see him come out today and execute his game plan—it was huge. Not only for him, but for the team.”

Blackburn, whose career numbers include 87 games, a 22-28 record, 4.80 ERA, 433.1 innings pitched, 332 strikeouts, and a 1.40 WHIP, reminded fans and teammates alike of what he can bring to the mound when healthy.

With starters like left-hander Sean Manaea and right-hander Frankie Montas working their way back—Montas already impressing in rehab starts with the Brooklyn Cyclones—the Mets rotation is inching toward full strength. If Blackburn’s performance is any indication, help is not only on the way—it’s already here.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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