Denver, USA — With a fracture in the little toe of his right foot and amid uncertainty about his availability, Francisco Lindor became the unexpected protagonist of Friday night at Coors Field. The Puerto Rican shortstop hit a double as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning, driving in two runs that sealed the New York Mets’ 4-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies.
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The decisive hit came against reliever Zach Agnos (0-2), when Lindor connected with a cutter and sent it towards right field. The Dominican Juan Soto scored from second base, and Pete Alonso slid cleverly into home plate to complete the play that defined the game.
Lindor had been in doubt for the series after fracturing his toe when hit by a pitch on Wednesday, however, his bravery and contribution at a key moment reaffirmed his role as a leader within the clubhouse.
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Pete Alonso was also key with a two-run double in the seventh inning, while the New York bullpen delivered in the final stretch. Ryne Stanek (2-4) avoided damage in the eighth inning by escaping a bases-loaded, no-out threat, thanks to an unassisted double play by third baseman Brett Baty and a subsequent strikeout.
Puerto Rican closer Edwin Díaz pitched a perfect ninth and earned his 14th save of the season.
For the Mets, Juan Soto shined with the bat, going 3-4 with two runs scored. Starling Marte also contributed with two hits in five at-bats, while Lindor went 1-1 in his only appearance. Kodai Senga was the starting pitcher, allowing only one run in five innings.
The Rockies End Their Winning Streak
Colorado saw its three-game winning streak snapped. Mickey Moniak was the standout with a home run and a run-scoring single. In his Major League debut, shortstop Ryan Ritter hit a triple, leaving a good impression for the future.As part of an unusual strategy, the Rockies started the game with Ryan Rolison, leaving the Venezuelan Antonio Senzatela to pitch from the second inning. Senzatela pitched four scoreless innings
