NEW YORK โ Francisco Lindor shone brightly once again, hitting two home runs to propel the New York Mets to a narrow 5-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in their first face-off of the season. Coming off a leadoff homer for the second day in a row, Lindor continued to impress the hometown crowd as the Mets secured their fifth consecutive win, improving their stellar home record to 10-1. Despite a late surge from Philadelphia, closer Edwin Dรญaz struck out both Trea Turner and Bryce Harper, earning his sixth save to cement the Metsโ triumph.
Tylor Megill delivered a standout performance on the mound, allowing just one hit while matching his career high with 10 strikeouts across 5 1/3 scoreless innings. Lindor set the tone early, launching the fifth pitch he faced from Aaron Nola into the right-field stands. His offensive prowess resurfaced in the seventh inning with a three-run blast to right-center, enhancing the Metsโ lead to 5-0. This homer landed in nearly the same spot where Lindor hit his grand slam last October, leading the Mets to victory over the Phillies in the Division Series.
Lindor, who now boasts five home runs this season, has hit four of those in the past four games, including an electrifying walk-off. His impressive power displays result in his 20th multihomer game while playing shortstop, a feat surpassed only by legends like Alex Rodriguez and Ernie Banks.
In the ninth inning, Philadelphia made a determined comeback. J.T. Realmuto singled, driving in a run off Max Kranick, followed by Bryson Stottโs three-run homer off Dรญaz. Despite the late runs scored by the Phillies, Dรญaz quickly regained control and concluded the game by striking out the top batters in Philadelphiaโs lineup.
Aaron Nola, unfortunately for the Phillies, was charged with four runs and surrendered seven hits over a lengthy season-high 6 1/3 innings. A pivotal moment arose in the sixth when Mets pitcher Reed Garrett struck out J.T. Realmuto with runners at the corners, maintaining a tight 2-0 lead.
Lindor joined elite company as only the third Met, alongside Kaz Matsui and Curtis Granderson, to achieve leadoff homers in consecutive games. Looking forward, the Mets will send Griffin Canning to the mound to face off against Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sรกnchez in the next game of this gripping series.