Vientos Grand Slam: Mets Take Game 2 of NLCS, Even Series at 1-1
The New York Mets stormed back in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series, defeating the Atlanta Braves 8-3 thanks to a thunderous grand slam by Francisco Lindor and a stellar pitching performance by Kodai Senga. The win evens the series at 1-1, injecting life back into the Mets' hopes as the series shifts to Atlanta.
The Braves, who cruised to a 7-1 victory in Game 1, seemed poised for another dominant performance early on. They jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first, with a solo home run by Austin Riley and an RBI single by Ozzie Albies.
However, the Mets responded in the bottom of the fourth inning. Brandon Nimmo led off with a single, followed by an RBI double by Pete Alonso, cutting the lead to 2-1. The stage was then set for the Mets' young star, Francisco Lindor.
With two outs and the bases loaded, Lindor launched a towering grand slam off Braves pitcher Charlie Morton. The four-run blast gave the Mets a 5-2 lead and shifted the momentum completely.
Senga, the Mets' ace, continued to deal on the mound. He allowed just three runs over six innings, striking out five batters and keeping the Braves offense at bay. The Japanese right-hander showcased his impressive arsenal, mixing his fastball with his slider and forkball, proving to be a difficult matchup for the Braves.
The Mets offense added three more runs in the bottom of the seventh, with Alonso hitting a two-run home run and Francisco Alvarez driving in a run with a single.
The Mets' victory was a testament to their resilience and their ability to bounce back from a tough loss. Lindor's grand slam provided the spark, while Senga's strong pitching performance provided the necessary foundation.
As the series shifts to Atlanta, the Braves will be looking to regain their momentum. However, the Mets have shown their fight and their ability to compete with the defending champions. This series promises to be a thrilling back-and-forth battle as both teams fight for a chance to advance to the World Series.
