Role Reversal - Mets Flip the Script and Take Opener in Extras

Mets 4 Dodgers 3 (Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA)

Mets Record: 38-22

Mets Streak: W4

Mets Last 10: 8-2

WP: Edwin Diaz (3-0)

LP: Tanner Scott (0-2)

SV: Jose Butto (1)

Seat On The Korner:

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.

Jose Butto threw just 7 pitches tonight, but they were 7 big pitches. With the Mets clinging to a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the 10th, Carlos Mendoza summoned Butto to try to get the save. He'd be the third Mets pitcher attempting to secure the save in tonight's game. In his way, pinch-hitter Will Smith and second baseman Tommy Edman (on Tommy Edman Bobble-Head Night, no less). To make things even tougher, Los Angeles had runners on first and second with just one out. With a focus on throwing strikes, Butto was able to get Smith on a fly out to right center. It was deep enough to move the runner from second to third. More importantly though, it was the second out. Edman followed, and on a 1-2 count he grounded hard up the middle, but Butto was able to snag it and after an easy toss to first, the Mets had their win, and Butto had his save.

Need To Know:

• The Mets are now a season high 16 games over .500.

• Tonight's win was their eight in the past nine.

• The Mets are 4 games into a span of 10-straight without a day off. They are 4-0 in those games.

• By going hitless in 5 plate appearances, Pete Alonso's hitting streak came to an end at 8, although he did get on base twice (a hit-by-pitch and a walk).

• Edwin Diaz’s blown save was his first of 2025.

• Mets designated hitter, Mark Vientos, fell while grounding out to end the top of the 10th. He came up holding his right hamstring. According to Carlos Mendoza, Vientos will go through additional testing before sharing an official diagnosis.

• Tuesday night, the Mets will try to win back-to-back road games for the first time since May 2nd.

Turning Point

Because of MLB's use of an extra-inning "ghost runner," insurance runs in these additional frames are vital. So, when Francisco Lindor followed Francisco Alvarez's go-ahead double with a single of his own, it drastically changed the complexion of the game. In the end, it was Lindor's RBI that made the difference, as the Dodgers were able to scratch one home in the bottom of the 10th, while also threatening to add more.

Three Keys:

The Streak Is Alive

When Francisco Lindor hit the second pitch of the game out of the park, fans quickly perked up. This wasn't just about giving the team an instant 1-0 lead. Coming into tonight, the Mets had won 26 straight games in which Lindor has hit a home run. This is second only to Carl Furillo (of the Brooklyn Dodgers) who had 29 straight. Lindor's streak dates back to July 9, 2024. And after the Mets were able to hold on for the win, the streak is now up to 27. Lindor's leadoff home run was his eighth as a Mets leadoff hitter, which ties him with Tommie Agee and Lenny Dykstra for fourth most in franchise history. The dinger also tied him with Todd Hundley for 10th overall in team history, with 124.

Alvie's Revenge

Dodger Stadium was the site of Francisco Alvarez's devastating thumb injury last season. A year later and healthy again, Alvarez got back at the Dodgers, going 2-4 with a double and the RBI that put the Mets ahead to stay in the 10th inning.

Blackburn's Moment Arises

Paul Blackburn made his 2025 debut tonight, coming off a series of injuries. Just 5 days after the Mets obtained Blackburn from the Athletics last season, he was struck by a comeback grounder and went right to the injured list. This was the end of his 2024 season, as he was diagnosed with a spinal leak while already on the IL with injuries sustained from the comebacker. He was looking to rejoin the Mets rotation coming out of spring training, but right knee inflammation and an illness slowed down his rehabbing. Until tonight.

A season debut against the high-powered Los Angeles offense may not have seemed like a fair scenario, but Blackburn was up to the task. In all, Blackburn pitched 5 innings, giving up 3 hits, walking just 1, and striking out 3 batters, including Shohei Ohtani...twice.

The stat books call this game a no-decision. For anyone following Blackburn's story, it was a memorable evening.