As the game reached its climax, Edwin Díaz delivered the final blow, striking out Kyle Schwarber with two Phillies runners on base. The crowd erupted in jubilation as Díaz shut the door on the Phillies, marking a historic postseason moment. It was the first time in 24 years that the Mets had clinched a postseason series at home. Even more exciting, this was the first champagne-soaked celebration at Citi Field in its 16-year history, giving Mets fans a moment they've been eagerly waiting for. The Mets’ clubhouse exploded into a jubilant, champagne-drenched celebration, a fitting end to their nail-biting series victory over a heated division rival.
This win carries extra weight for the Mets, who have been fighting tooth and nail throughout the season. Their incredible comeback from a rough start—an abysmal 24-35 record—shows their resilience and determination. Lindor has been at the heart of that rally, consistently delivering clutch hits and stepping up in the most critical moments. His grand slam was his first homer of the 2023 postseason, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. His performance this season has been nothing short of spectacular, making him one of the most valuable players for the Mets. It’s no wonder the Citi Field crowd was chanting “MVP! MVP!” as he disappeared into the dugout after his home run and again when he took the field in the seventh inning.
But the Phillies, a team that had won 95 games and finished six games ahead of the wild-card Mets in the regular season, were left stunned. For them, it was a bitter end to what had been a promising year. They had made it to the 2022 World Series and were hoping to build on that momentum, but once again, they fell short in October. After losing Games 6 and 7 of the 2023 NLCS at home to Arizona, the Phillies were eager for redemption, but they’ll have to wait another year for a shot at their third championship. Bryce Harper and the Phillies are left with the sting of another postseason exit, and the frustration is palpable. They’ve come so close but haven’t been able to seal the deal when it counts the most.
The Mets’ road to this point wasn’t without its own struggles, especially in Game 4. Despite loading the bases in both the first and second innings, New York couldn’t capitalize and left eight runners stranded through the first five innings. The tension was building as they squandered several early opportunities to blow the game wide open. But when the sixth inning rolled around, everything changed. With three runners on and nobody out, Francisco Alvarez grounded into a force at the plate, and it seemed like another chance was slipping away. That’s when Phillies manager Rob Thomson decided to bring in closer Carlos Estévez, a bold move with the game hanging in the balance. Estévez, firing fastballs at 99 mph, faced Lindor, who was ready for the moment. On a 2-1 count, Lindor sent a 99 mph heater screaming into Philadelphia’s bullpen in right-center field, giving the Mets a 4-1 lead. Citi Field erupted into chaos, as 44,103 fans roared in unison, creating a pulsating energy that could be felt miles away.
Lindor’s grand slam was a historic one too. He joined an elite group of players who have hit multiple postseason grand slams, standing alongside names like Shane Victorino and Hall of Famer Jim Thome. Lindor had previously hit a grand slam in Game 2 of the 2017 AL Division Series while playing for Cleveland against the Yankees at Yankee Stadium. In Mets history, only one other player had ever hit a postseason grand slam: Edgardo Alfonzo, during a 1999 Division Series at Arizona. To say Lindor's performance was legendary would be an understatement.
And while Lindor’s slam was the defining moment of Game 4, it wasn’t the only highlight of the game. The Mets' bullpen was lights-out. Díaz, who has been a dominant closer all season, showcased his nerves of steel by striking out Kyle Schwarber with two men on base, ending any hopes of a Phillies comeback. It was a fitting conclusion to a series that saw the Mets’ pitching staff perform at a high level, particularly in high-pressure situations.
With this victory, the Mets now move on to the NLCS, where they’ll face either the San Diego Padres or the Los Angeles Dodgers. San Diego held a 2-1 lead in their NLDS going into Game 4 on Wednesday night, so the Mets will be keeping a close eye on that matchup. After a few days of rest, the Mets will kick off the best-of-seven NLCS on Sunday. The stakes will be even higher, but this team has shown they’re up to the challenge.
The Mets’ postseason run has been filled with ups and downs, but one thing is certain: they’ve proven they can compete with the best. Fans are eagerly awaiting what comes next, as this team seems destined for something special. Whether it’s the electrifying performances of players like Lindor or the shutdown pitching of Díaz, this Mets team has the potential to make history. So as the NLCS approaches, Mets fans can’t help but dream big. Could this be the year they finally bring home another World Series title? If Lindor and company have anything to say about it, the answer might just be yes.
The road ahead is tough, but the Mets have shown they have what it takes to compete at the highest level. They’ve taken down the Phillies, and now their sights are set on bigger goals. Whether it’s San Diego or Los Angeles, one thing is for sure—the Mets are ready. Bring on the NLCS.
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