The New York Mets (23-13) opened their series in Arizona with a nail-biting 5-4 win over the Diamondbacks (18-17) on Monday night, thanks to a clutch home run from Francisco Lindor and a key defensive play to preserve the lead late.
Pete Alonso delivered another big night at the plate, launching a 425-foot two-run homer in the fourth and adding a hard-hit single in the seventh. Alonso now boasts a .349 average, nine home runs, and a 1.143 OPS on the season. Juan Soto helped set the table, drawing two walks and ripping a double just before Alonso’s base hit in the seventh.
On the mound, Griffin Canning worked around early trouble, giving up just one run over five-plus innings while striking out six. The win was his fifth straight, making him the first Mets starter to accomplish that since Zack Wheeler in 2018.
Lindor provided the decisive blow in the top of the seventh, launching a three-run homer to right-center that stretched the lead to 5-1. It turned out to be critical insurance, as Dedniel Núñez struggled in his season debut, walking the bases loaded in the eighth. Reed Garrett allowed all three inherited runners to score but held on to maintain the one-run edge.
In the ninth, Edwin Díaz shut the door with help from a huge caught stealing by Lindor and Francisco Alvarez, sealing the Mets’ third win in their last four games.
David Peterson takes the mound on Tuesday as the Mets look to clinch a series win. The first pitch is slated for 9:40 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].