The New York Mets disappointed in San Francisco this week, but Francisco Lindor did not.
In the Mets’ three-game series against the Giants, the 28-year-old went 5-for-13 with four runs scored, two doubles, one triple, two home runs, and nine RBIs.
“I feel better for sure,” said Lindor. “I’m putting the ball in play.”
In the first two games of the series, Lindor had plenty of company on the offensive side of the ball, as the Mets collected a total of 36 hits and 25 runs. However, on Wednesday, Lindor continued to produce despite the Mets having a lackluster offense that only put together five hits and three runs.
Lindor was the only Met with a multi-hit game, as the shortstop went 2-for-4 with a home run, run scored, and RBI during the 9-3 loss.
His first hit came in his second at-bat during the top of the fourth inning. Facing Jakob Junis, Lindor took the first three pitches in the at-bat to work the count 3-0. He then took a sinker for a borderline strike on the inside of the zone, followed by a slider for a strike well within the zone. With the count full, he finally settled on an 82.7 MPH slider, lining it 100.9 MPH into right field for a double.
“I’m swinging at the pitches I want to swing at,” said Lindor. “I’m hitting them forward. Before I was swinging at the pitch I wanted and was missing it, and now I’m actually hitting the ball forward.”
In the sixth inning, Lindor recorded his second hit of the game, which was sent 403 feet the other way into left center field for a solo home run. Lindor did not wait too long for the pitch he wanted, as he turned on the second pitch of the at-bat, an 83.4 MPH changeup.
Buck Showalter praised Lindor’s performance since the beginning of the season and also gave him credit for his defense.
“He’s been playing a really good shortstop too, and his effort’s always good,” said Showalter. “That’s what I’m so proud of.”
On the season, Lindor is now hitting .250/.337/.443 with 31 runs scored, eight doubles, eight home runs, and 33 RBIs. He now has a 126 wRC+ this season, which ranks fifth among MLB shortstops.
“Some statistics, if you look at our categories across the board, he’s right there either leading or close to it in just about everything,” said Showalter.
Lindor is tied for first on the Mets in games played (46), first in runs scored (31), second in home runs (8), and second in RBIs (33).
