Mets 6,Blue Jays 2 (Rogers Centre, Toronto, On)
Mets Record: 80-66
Mets Streak: W1
Mets Last 10: 8-2
WP: Danny Young (4-0) LP: Chad Green (4-6)
S: Edwin Diaz (18)
Seat On The Korner: Francisco Lindor
We select the star of the game and virtually invite him to a Seat on the Korner, just as Ralph Kiner used to do for his studio postgame show on WOR-channel 9 broadcasts in the early decades of the Mets.
Today's "Seat on the Korner" goes to Francisco Lindor, who continues to solidify his candidacy for National League MVP, not only with his clutch performance on the field but also for his leadership off it. Throughout the season, Lindor has been the heartbeat of the Mets, delivering when the stakes are high. Today was no different. After the Mets were no-hit through eight innings and faced the possibility of falling behind in the wildcard race, Lindor stepped up. His game-tying home run in the ninth inning off Bowden Francis ended the no-hit bid and sparked a five-run rally, leading the Mets to a crucial 6-2 victory.
However,
Lindor's contributions go beyond the diamond. In his post-game interview, he took a moment to reflect on the significance of the day, paying tribute to first responders on the anniversary of 9/11. He humbly put his role as a baseball player into perspective, recognizing the bravery and sacrifices of those who protect and serve, showing the same grace off the field as he does on it. For his clutch play and his heartfelt words, Lindor is more than just an MVP candidate—he's a true leader.
Need To Know
New York is 31-20 following the All-Star break...New York gained their 27th series victory of the season.
The Mets are 50% complete on their penultimate road trip, a seven-day, six-game trip (2-1) to Toronto (2-1) and Philadelphia (three games)..
Today, the New York Mets honored first responders by wearing caps representing the FDNY, NYPD, Port Authority Police Department, Department of Sanitation, and Department of Correction during the game, commemorating their bravery and sacrifice. Francisco Lindor took it a step further, wearing a specially made glove in tribute to first responders on the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The Mets concluded their Interleage schedule with three games against the Blue Jays...New York is now 24-22 in Interleague Play this year...Last year introduced the new schedule format which had New York playing a total of 46 Interleague games in 2023, more than double their previous high for a single season (20)...The Mets went 19-27 against the American League...Overall, New York owns a 278-276 record in Interleague play.
Bowden Francis became the 6th pitcher this season to hold the Mets hitless through the first 5 innings and the 2nd to do so through the first 6 innings.
Coming into today's game, the Blue Jays led all Major League teams in Defensive Runs Saved (86) and ranked 5th in Outs Above Average (21), showcasing their elite defensive abilities. They’ve also turned 113 double plays this season, 7th most in the American League. Their strong defense was on display throughout the game, including a standout play by left fielder Davis Schneider, who made a crucial catch on a drive off the bat of Harrison Bader in the top of the 6th inning to preserve Bowden Francis's no-hit bid.
The Mets have now been hit by pitches 84 times this season, leading the National League and ranking fourth in the majors. During today’s game, Pete Alonso was hit in the 4th inning, and José Iglesias was plunked in the 5th, though Iglesias appeared to lean into the strike zone without it being called. The Mets’ 84 HBPs this season rank fifth in franchise history. Last year, they were hit 107 times, second-most in team history, with the 2022 team setting a record with 112 HBPs. Since 2021, the Mets have been hit 395 times, the most in the majors during that span. Pete Alonso holds the team record with 83 career HBPs, followed closely by Brandon Nimmo with 80.
Turning Point
While Francisco Lindor's ninth-inning home run was the headline moment, the true turning point of the game may have come in the fourth inning, when Sean Manaea escaped a bases-loaded, no-out jam that could have unraveled the game for the Mets. Here's how the tense inning unfolded:
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. led off with a sharp single to left, followed by another single from Ernie Clement, putting runners on first and second. Manaea then issued a walk to Will Wagner, loading the bases with no one out. The Mets were on the ropes, but Manaea kept his composure.
Davis Schneider hit a grounder that third baseman Mark Vientos smartly fielded, getting the out at third, though Guerrero Jr. scored to make it 1-0 Toronto. With runners still on first and second and only one out, Manaea struck out Luis De Los Santos on a called third strike, followed by a pop out to Vientos from Joey Loperfido to end the inning.
By escaping with minimal damage, Manaea kept the game close, setting the stage for Lindor’s eventual heroics in the ninth. Without that gritty escape, Lindor’s home run may not have mattered.
Three Keys
Bowden from No-No to No Decsion
Bowden Francis has flirted with no-hitters in three of his last four starts, solidifying his place as a rising star on the mound. On August 24th against the Angels, he took a no-hitter into the 9th inning, only to have it broken up by a leadoff solo home run from Taylor Ward. It was the longest no-hit bid by a Blue Jays starter since 2010. Francis followed that performance with another near no-hitter on August 29th against the Red Sox, where he carried a no-hitter into the 6th inning and finished with 7.0 shutout innings, allowing just one hit.
On September 4th against the Phillies, he delivered 6.0 innings, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits with no walks and 6 strikeouts. Today, in another impressive outing, Francis once again lost his no-hitter in the 9th inning on a leadoff home run, this time to Francisco Lindor. He finished the day with 8 innings pitched, allowing just 1 hit, 1 run, 1 walk, and striking out 1 batter, earning a no-decision despite his brilliance on the mound.
However, things changed in the ninth inning, just one batter after Francisco Lindor homered to lead off the inning, breaking up the no-hitter, the shutout, and tying the game. Luis De Los Santos then committed a crucial error on a ground ball by José Iglesias, allowing him to reach second base. Iglesias eventually came around to score the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly by Pete Alonso.
Sean Manaea’s July Surge: A Consistent Force on the Mound
Since the start of July, Sean Manaea has been one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball, leading the majors in quality starts (10) and innings pitched (87.2), while ranking sixth in strikeouts (95). His consistency dates back to June 14, where he’s allowed three or fewer runs in 15 outings, tying him with Chris Sale for the most in the majors during that span. In his latest start, Manaea delivered another stellar performance, going 6.2 innings, allowing just 3 hits, 1 run, 4 walks, and striking out 8. Despite his efforts, he was in line for a tough loss until Francisco Lindor's game-tying home run to lead off the top of the ninth broke up a no-hitter and kept Manaea off the hook.
Franciscos to the Rescue: Lindor and Álvarez Break the Silence with Late Homers
The Mets had gone three straight games without hitting a home run, matching their longest homerless streak of the season. The last time they went four or more games without a homer was a five-game stretch from May 11-15, 2023. Through eight innings today, they were being no-hit, but Francisco Lindor broke both the no-hitter and the home run drought by leading off the ninth with his 31st homer of the season. Later in the inning, Francisco Álvarez added his 7th homer of the year to put a box on the Mets six run ninth. Overall, the Mets have hit 184 home runs this season, ranking fourth in the majors.
Comments