Queens, NY— Francisco Lindor launched a go-ahead home run in the eighth inning, sparking a four-run rally that lifted the New York Mets to a 6-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday at Citi Field. The win allowed the Mets to avoid dropping just their second home series of the season and improved their record at home to an impressive 15-4.
Tied 2-2 entering the eighth, Lindor got the Mets rolling by taking a full-count sweeper from reliever Porter Hodge (2-1) over the right-center field wall. It was a bit of redemption for Lindor, who had grounded into a double play on the same pitch from Hodge in the ninth inning of Saturday’s 6-5 loss.
Mark Vientos, who had given the Mets an earlier lead with a solo homer in the sixth off Cubs starter Matthew Boyd, added an RBI single in the eighth. Brandon Nimmo followed with a two-run homer off Gavin Hollowell, giving the Mets breathing room.
Luis Torrens contributed early with an RBI triple in the second, but exited the game in the sixth after being struck by a foul ball. The Mets’ offense ultimately provided more than enough support for the bullpen to close the door.
Ryne Stanek (1-3) earned the win by striking out Pete Crow-Armstrong to end a scoreless top of the eighth. Earlier, Garrett preserved a 2-2 tie in the seventh by retiring Dansby Swanson and Justin Turner with the go-ahead run in scoring position.
For the Cubs, Crow-Armstrong had tied the game earlier with a solo shot in the sixth, his first homer against his former club. Nico Hoerner added an RBI double in the seventh, but the Cubs couldn’t capitalize late, falling for the fourth time in five games.
Notable Stats:
The Cubs went 0-for-7 against Mets starter Griffin Canning’s changeup.
All five of Vientos’ home runs this season have come against left-handed pitchers. Last year, only 7 of his 27 long balls were against southpaws.
Up Next:
The Cubs return home Monday to begin a series against the Miami Marlins. RHP Colin Rea (2-0, 2.43 ERA) will take the mound against RHP Cal Quantrill (2-3, 7.11 ERA).
The Mets open a three-game set at home versus the Pittsburgh Pirates. LHP David Peterson (2-2, 3.05 ERA) is slated to face off with hard-throwing rookie RHP Paul Skenes (3-4, 2.77 ERA).
