Francisco Lindor's Grand Slam Sends Mets to the 2024 NLCS, Eliminates Phillies
What a moment for the New York Mets and their fans! Francisco Lindor, the man they call "Mr. Smile," delivered one of the most unforgettable moments in Mets history by hitting a game-winning grand slam in Game 4 of the 2024 National League Division Series (NLDS) against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Mets' 4-1 victory at Citi Field sealed their spot in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) and sent the Phillies home, ending their playoff hopes.
Lindor's calm demeanor was striking. As the stadium erupted in a sea of blue and orange, with fans leaping in disbelief and joy, Lindor remained stone-faced, quietly rounding the bases after his monumental hit. Teammates and fans alike could hardly contain their emotions, but Lindor, as Mets outfielder Jesse Winker described, looked "stone-cold" — an assassin on the field, delivering the knockout blow. It wasn't until Starling Marte embraced him at home plate that a smile finally broke across Lindor's face.
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The game was a tense, back-and-forth affair. The Phillies scraped together a run in the fourth inning when Bryce Harper scored on an infield grounder, and that 1-0 lead held until the sixth inning. That's when Lindor came to the plate with the bases loaded, facing Phillies reliever Carlos Estévez. After working a 2-1 count, Lindor crushed a 100-mph fastball, sending it soaring over the outfield wall, flipping the game — and the series — in the Mets' favor.
This grand slam wasn't just any home run; it was the kind of swing that cements legacies. Mets fans will talk about this moment for decades, recalling where they were when Lindor sent that ball flying. It's the type of play that gets immortalized in murals and highlight reels, much like Bryce Harper's famous home run in the 2022 NLCS for the Phillies.
The Mets' journey to this point hasn’t been without its challenges. Throughout the season, Lindor's leadership on and off the field was pivotal, particularly after he was shifted to the leadoff spot earlier this year. His resurgence helped the Mets gain momentum as they pushed for the playoffs. Despite battling injuries, Lindor's determination never wavered, and his clutch performances, including his heroics in the NLDS, have made him the heart and soul of this Mets team.
After the grand slam, the Phillies tried to mount a comeback, but closer Edwin DÃaz shut the door, securing the Mets’ NLDS win. When the final out was recorded, instead of rushing to DÃaz on the mound, the Mets sprinted to Lindor at shortstop — a fitting tribute to the man who carried them to victory.
Lindor’s composure and brilliance were on full display in this unforgettable moment, and now the Mets are headed to the NLCS, one step closer to a potential World Series appearance. For fans, teammates, and Lindor himself, this grand slam will be remembered as a defining moment in Mets history.
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