As you enter the final stretch of the season, your best players need to step up. The New York Mets’ best player is Francisco LindorHe was absolutely convincing in the Mets’ 7-1 victory over the San Diego Padres on Saturday night. He was not the only one, because David Peterson gave the Mets another great performance in the win and continues to be a staple in the starting lineup. The Mets have now won two of the first three games of this four-game series against a Padres team that is off to a red-hot start in this series.
August 24, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) hits a grand slam home run against the San Diego Padres in the fourth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Photo Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Lindor smashes two
He’s here, he’s there, he’s everywhere, Lindor, Lindor. He’s been the Mets’ best player since he was moved to the first batter position. He’s set the tone for this team ever since. In the first inning, with New York leading 1-0, Lindor scored on a 2-0 sweep of Michael King for a grand slam. The grand slam decided the away game for the Mets. He did it from the left side of the plate, and he wasn’t done yet. After the Padres got a run back, Lindor hit another home run, this time from the right side, giving the Mets a 6-1 lead.
They were Lindor’s 26th and 27th home runs of the season. Three away from another 30/30 season. He is five stolen bases away from another 30/30/30 season. Who knows if his season will be enough to Shohei Ohtani for MVP. However, he is the MVP of the Mets.
Peterson is the MVP of the rotation
One can argue for Sean Manaeabut Peterson is the most consistent pitcher in the starting lineup. I don’t think many would have thought that at the start of the season. Especially after he missed some time with hip surgery. On Saturday, Peterson gave the Mets 7 1/3 innings and lowered his ERA to 2.85. Peterson continues to give the Mets a chance to win every time he steps on the mound. He doesn’t dominate, but he makes his pitches, gets ground balls and is consistent.
Dedniel Nunez Returns
In order not to be lost in the excitement surrounding Lindor, there was the return of Dedniel Nunez. It looked like he never left. He was impressive in his 1 2/3 innings, getting the game’s final five outs. Núñez struck out two players in his return. More importantly for the bullpen, his presence makes the unit better.
On deck:
The Mets send the weakening Jose Quintana to the hill in Game 4 of this series. The Padres will counter with Martin Perez. The game will be televised locally on WPIX at 4:10 p.m. EDT and broadcast on WCBS 880.
