Mets take miracle run to NLCS by conquering rival Phillies on euphoric Francisco Lindor grand slam

· New York Post

The Mets’ improbable 2024 journey is going to the NLCS.

If there was a roof on Citi Field, it would’ve blown off when Francisco Lindor hit a go-ahead grand slam in the sixth inning to propel the Mets past the rival Phillies, 4-1, capturing the NLDS in four games.

And after needing 161 games to clinch a playoff berth and being three outs away from elimination in the wild-card round, the Amazin’s advance to the NLCS for the first time since 2015.

Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor celebrates his grand slam in the sixth inning against the Phillies on Oct. 9, 2024. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Starling Marte hugs Francisco Lindor after his grand slam on Oct. 9, 2024. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

The Mets will face the winner of the Dodgers-Padres series, which San Diego led 2-1 entering Wednesday night’s Game 4.

Who else but Lindor, the Mets’ MVP candidate who send them to the playoffs with his stunning ninth-inning home run in Game 161 after carrying the team for months.

The bottom of the sixth began with a J.D. Martinez single to center, and Phillies reliever Jeff Hoffman then hit Starling Marte with a pitch.

Francisco Lindor and Mets teammates celebrate with the OMG sign after his grand slam on Oct. 9, 2024. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

After Tyrone Taylor walked, Francisco Alvarez grounded into a fielder’s choice, with Martinez getting thrown out at home.

Carlos Estevez then relieved Hoffman to face Lindor, who smashed a fastball 398 feet to right-center.