Star shortstop Francisco Lindor helped the New York Mets avoid dubious history Wednesday while sparking a come-from-behind win over the Toronto Blue Jays.
With the Mets trailing 1-0 and only three outs from being no-hit, Lindor stepped to the plate to start the ninth. After falling behind in the count 0-2, he turned on a four-seam fastball, smashing a home run over the right-field wall to tie the game, abruptly ending Blue Jays starter Bowden Francis' bid for the record books.
LINSANITY!
— SNY (@SNYtv) September 11, 2024
FRANCISCO LINDOR BREAKS UP THE NO-HITTER WITH A GAME-TYING HOMER! pic.twitter.com/mZTkoE0oJD
Lindor's heroics led to an offensive breakout for the Mets, who scored six runs in the ninth, holding on for a 6-2 victory. Meanwhile, the day was over for Francis after giving up the long ball, coming up just short of recording the second no-no in Blue Jays' history.
The homer was Lindor's only hit of the game, but the 10-year-veteran has been the catalyst for New York's transformation from punchline to playoff contender.
Since the All-Star break, Lindor has recorded 63 hits, 32 RBI, 14 home runs, 12 doubles and a triple over 51 games. Meanwhile, the Mets are 31-20 over that stretch and, following Wednesday's victory, are winners of 11 of their last 13 games.
Entering Wednesday night's action, the Mets are tied with the Atlanta Braves (78-66) for second in the National League East, trailing the Philadelphia Phillies (87-58) by 8.0 games. Similarly, they're four games ahead of the Chicago Cubs (75-70) for the final NL wild-card spot and are just 2.5 games behind the San Diego Padres for the top spot.
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