At Fenway Park, the New York Mets defeated the Boston Red Sox 5-1 on Wednesday to get back on track. The Red Sox fell to 25-26 after the loss, while New York is currently 30-20 through 50 games after the victory.
Francisco Lindor led the Mets offensively, going 2-for-5 with a home run, a double, and two stolen bases. The home run was his tenth of the season, and the stolen bases put him in some very elite shortstop club.
Lindor Makes Headlines on Reaching an Important Milestone
According to MLB.com’s Sarah Langs, Lindor recorded at least 10 home runs in 10 of his first 11 seasons, making him the fourth primary shortstop (at least 50% of games at SS). He joins Miguel Tejada, Cal Ripken Jr., and Derek Jeter.
Francisco Lindor became the fourth primary shortstop (at least 50% of games at SS) with at least 10 home runs in 10 of his first 11 seasons
He joins Derek Jeter, Cal Ripken Jr. and Miguel Tejada
And he had 8 in 2020
Ty @efrainruizp for the q!! https://t.co/wDZgfn0vKZ
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports)
Down on the field, Lindor chatted with MLB Network reporter Jon Morosi after the game was decided by the final pitch. Additionally, he made a candid statement to his fans. “You gotta come out and be aggressive, you know,” Lindor told Morosi. The shortstop also acknowledged that the team hasn’t had the best week, but they vowed to “continue to stay aggressive.”
“Don’t let what happened yesterday dictate how we play today,” Lindor added. “It’s just the mentality.” Lindor continued by praising the efforts of catcher Luis Torrens, reliever Reed Garrett, Baty, Brazoban, and Megill against the Red Sox.
The 31-year-old is among the more successful athletes of the past ten years. He is a two-time Gold Glove winner, a four-time All-Star, and a four-time Silver Slugger. With 10 home runs and 29 RBIs so far this season, he is hitting .283, with an .831 OPS.
But the two-time Gold Glove winner often finds himself in the midst of controversies, too. After disagreeing with home plate umpire Mike Estabrook during Tuesday night’s Boston Red Sox vs. New York Mets game, Buehler was ejected from the field.
Buehler struck Lindor, who had been the batter before him, in the toe. Catcher Carlos Narvaez blocked Estabrook’s vision of the pitch after Lindor stole second base, which prompted Buehler to voice his displeasure.
Lindor stood on second base, urging the ump to toss the pitcher while Buehler and Estabrook squared up. A supporter shared a video of Lindor being struck and accused him of “leaning into a pitch,” even though the ball struck his back foot, which remained still.
“I wouldn’t want me out there either,” Buehler said after the game, quoting the video of Lindor urging for his dismissal. “Sad thing is the BULLPEN is full of f–king animals. Tough choice.”
I wouldn’t want me out there either. Sad thing is the BULLPEN is full of fucking animals. Tough choice. https://t.co/XuWysoT0aW
— Walker Buehler (@buehlersdayoff)
Lindor joins Pete Alonso and Juan Soto to form one of the National League’s top offensive trios. When the Mets play the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field on Friday night, they will continue their arduous schedule.