Lindor’s Power and Defense Lift Mets Past Rockies in 4–2 Win

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On Friday night, the New York Mets continued their hot streak with a 4–2 win over the struggling Colorado Rockies. The star of the night was shortstop Francisco Lindor, who dazzled on both offense and defense. Lindor homered from both sides of the plate and made a leaping catch that saved two runs, helping the Mets secure their fifth win in six games. Lindor started the scoring with a right-handed homer off Rockies pitcher Kyle Freeland in the first inning. He later added a left-handed solo shot in the eighth, marking the seventh time in his career he has homered from both sides in a single game (Elias Sports Bureau). He also singled and scored from first on an RBI double by Juan Soto, who ended his 0-for-17 slump in the third inning. Perhaps the biggest moment of the game came in the third inning. With the bases loaded and the Mets holding a narrow 1–0 lead, Lindor made a leaping grab of Thairo Estrada’s line drive, ending the inning and preventing what likely would have been a go-ahead hit for the Rockies. Pitcher David Peterson improved to 4–2 before being relieved in the sixth. Huascar Brazobán came in with runners in scoring position and got a key out, retiring pinch-hitter Mickey Moniak. Sam Hilliard briefly closed the gap for the Rockies with a pinch-hit home run in the seventh—his first plate appearance of the season—but Lindor’s second homer in the eighth gave the Mets breathing room.

The Mets’ bullpen was stellar down the stretch.

Reed Garrett struck out two in a perfect eighth inning, and closer Edwin Díaz fanned the side in the ninth for his 12th save of the year. Díaz hasn’t allowed a hit since May 5, an impressive streak that underscores his dominance. Colorado’s misery continued as the team fell to 9–48, the worst 57-game start by any MLB team since 1901. Kyle Freeland fell to 0–8, and he has now gone 15 starts without a win, dating back to last September. Looking ahead, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza announced that Paul Blackburn is expected to come off the injured list to pitch during the team’s upcoming series at Dodger Stadium. With the team gaining momentum and key players performing well, the Mets seem poised to continue climbing in the standings.