Francisco Lindor adds to MVP case with 30th HR for rolling Mets - ESPN

NEW YORK — Francisco Lindor's propensity for the big moment, an unquantifiable yet undeniable plus for his 2024 NL MVP candidacy, surfaced twice in the Mets' 7-2 over the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday.

First there was the towering two-run home run in the third inning to open the scoring, which stood as the Mets' only hit until the seventh inning. Later, with runners at first and second, there was the line drive over the left fielder's head for a run-scoring double to ignite a four-run game-busting eighth inning.

«I want those moments,» Lindor said.

Each time Lindor was showered with MVP chants from the home crowd at Citi Field. Each time there was a sense of inevitability in the Mets' dugout that he would come through.

«I think every time he's at the plate,» Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said, «we feel good about our chances.»

Lindor's home run off Red Sox right-hander Kutter Crawford on Tuesday gave him his fifth career 30 home run season, tying him for second all-time with Ernie Banks for 30 home run seasons by a primary shortstop, according to ESPN Sports and Information research. Only Alex Rodríguez (seven) had more.

He also stole his 26th base Tuesday, leaving him four shy of his second straight 30/30 season. He is one of three players with multiple seasons of 30 home runs and 25 steals, joining Howard Johnson and Darryl Strawberry.

Lindor's exploits Tuesday powered the Mets' sixth straight win to remain a half-game behind the Atlanta Braves for the final NL wild card spot. They are 11 games over .500 for the first time this season — a day after going 10 games over for the first time this season.

It's a position that seemed unimaginable when Jorge Lopez threw his glove into the crowd as the team fell to 11 games under