After a brutal 9-0 loss in Game 1 of the NLCS, the New York Mets roared back in Game 2, evening the series against the top-seeded Los Angeles Dodgers with a 7-3 win. The night’s hero? Rising star Mark Vientos, whose grand slam in the top of the second inning shifted the game’s momentum and ignited Mets fans everywhere. Vientos’ big hit was set up by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts’ decision to intentionally walk MVP candidate Francisco Lindor. The move didn’t sit well with Vientos, who later confirmed he “took it personally” and used it as fuel.
“I took it personal,” Vientos admitted. “They walked Francisco, and I wanted to show them that if you want me up there, I’m going to make it count.” Vientos made good on his promise, delivering a grand slam that proved to be the game-winner, as the Mets went on to win by four runs. In his first postseason, the 24-year-old has been on fire, boasting a .378 batting average, .676 slugging percentage, and three homers.
Vientos has made a habit of learning from Mets veterans like Francisco Lindor and World Series champ J.D. Martinez, asking questions and soaking up their experience. “J.D. [Martinez] tells us to keep our emotions in check, and that’s huge for me,” he shared, emphasizing that staying steady has helped him thrive under postseason pressure.
With the series now tied and home-field advantage shifting to the Mets, the NLCS heads to Citi Field for Game 3. As Vientos and the Mets return to Queens, fans are eager to see if the young star can carry his momentum and lead them one step closer to the National League pennant.
