Francisco Lindor credits key at-bat for Mets' comeback win over Orioles

The New York Mets improved to 5-1 since manager Carlos Mendoza moved shortstop Francisco Lindor down to the No. 2 spot in the lineup last week after a come-from-behind defeat of the Orioles in extra innings on Tuesday in Baltimore.

In the top of the eighth inning, Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo battled through a seven-pitch at-bat as Lindor watched from the on-deck circle. Nimmo's single ultimately allowed Lindor and first baseman Pete Alonso opportunities to hit a pair of two-run homers that tied the game. 

Following the victory, Lindor credited Nimmo for helping spark the Mets' rally. 

"He gave me an opportunity to see every pitch. I knew what the pitcher was doing," Lindor said about Nimmo's at-bat, per SNY's Phillip Martinez. "I told him, 'You set that up.' That’s a very professional at-bat. He did a fantastic job all day giving us information on what the ball is doing. Hats off to him."

The Mets fell from 45-24 to 48-38 before Lindor was dropped from the leadoff spot for the first time since May 2024. Following Tuesday's MLB action, the Amazins and Philadelphia Phillies were tied atop the National League East standings at 53-39.

"When you get an opportunity, when you’re down to pick each other up," Lindor added about what could go down as one of the Mets' best wins of the opening half of the season. "The offense did a good job today, but the pitching staff did a fantastic job....the guys contributed."

Juan Soto delivered a go-ahead single in the top of the 10th to make it 7-6 in favor of the Mets. Closer Edwin Diaz was needed for the ninth inning, so reliever Huascar Brazoban was used in the bottom of the 10th and retired all three batters he faced to secure the win.

"It’s big because we’re winners," a confident Brazoban said through an interpreter, Newsday's Laura Albanese shared. "When the hitters make that effort to tie the game and then take the lead, in our minds, it’s, 'Alright, let’s keep in there. Let’s go out there and do our job and win the game.'" 

Abbey Mastracco of the New York Daily News noted that Mets ace Kodai Senga is scheduled to pitch Friday vs. the Kansas City Royals, while lefty Sean Manaea will take the bump in KC on Sunday. Senga hasn't made an MLB start since he suffered a hamstring strain on June 12, and Manaea (oblique, bone chip in elbow) will be making his 2025 regular-season debut. 

In short, the Mets could put their early-summer swoon behind them before they enter the All-Star break on Sunday.