Mets Blast Dodgers to Even NLCS in Explosive Game 2 Showdown
On Monday night, the New York Mets launched a barrage of early runs to stun the Los Angeles Dodgers and tie the National League Championship Series at one game apiece.
From the very first pitch, the Mets made it clear they weren’t going down without a fight. Shortstop Francisco Lindor crushed a leadoff homer off Dodgers opener Ryan Brasier, snapping Los Angeles’ 33-inning scoreless streak and setting the tone for a wild night at Dodger Stadium.
But the real fireworks came in the second inning, when Mets slugger Mark Vientos stepped to the plate with the bases loaded. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had just intentionally walked Lindor, clearly hoping to escape the jam by facing the rookie Vientos instead.
Big mistake.
Vientos made the Dodgers pay dearly, blasting a grand slam into the stands to blow the game wide open. As he rounded the bases, pumping his fist, the stunned silence in Dodger Stadium was deafening.
“I took it personal,” Vientos said after the game. “When they walked Lindor to get to me, I knew I had to make them regret that decision.”
This postseason, the young slugger has surpassed Daniel Murphy’s 2015 franchise record with 11 RBIs. At just 24 years old, in his first October, Vientos is quickly becoming a Mets playoff legend.
On the mound, Mets starter Sean Manaea kept the powerful Dodgers lineup in check through five-plus innings. The big lefty struck out seven, mixing speeds and locations to keep L.A.’s sluggers off balance.
The Dodgers did manage to claw back a few runs, with Max Muncy launching a solo shot in the 5th and Tommy Edman driving in two more in the 6th. But the Mets bullpen slammed the door, with Edwin Diaz striking out the side in a dramatic 9th inning to seal the 7-3 victory.
For the Dodgers, it was a night of missed chances and regrets. Their record-tying scoreless streak ended before fans had even settled into their seats. The decision to pitch to Vientos backfired spectacularly. Despite putting runners on base, they were unable to deliver the crucial hit that would have allowed them to regain control of the game.
“We had our opportunities,” a subdued Roberts said afterwards. “But you’ve got to credit their pitchers. They made the pitches when they needed to.”
The series now shifts to New York all tied up, with Game 3 set for Wednesday night at Citi Field. After splitting in Los Angeles, both teams know how crucial that game will be in determining who takes control of this rollercoaster NLCS.
One thing’s for sure: if Game 2 was any indication, fans are in for a wild ride the rest of the way. With young stars like Vientos emerging alongside established aces, this series has all the makings of an October classic.
The Mets flew home feeling confident, having snatched home field advantage away from the top-seeded Dodgers. When the teams play in Queens, the Boys in Blue won’t roll over, creating an electric atmosphere.
Buckle up, baseball fans. This NLCS is just getting started.