This has almost become routine for the Mets.
With one out in the ninth, and trailing the Phillies by two runs, Mark Vientos drilled a pitch over the left-center field fence to tie the game, 6-6.
Unfortunately for the Mets, the Phillies had some ninth-inning magic of their own, as Nick Castellanos hit a walk-off single to give Philly the win and tie the series 1-1.
Vientos also homered earlier in Game 2, giving him three hits and four RBIs as his strong postseason continued.
After Francisco Lindor singled against Matt Strahm, Vientos worked a full count with one out and then tied the game for the Mets.
“Enough can’t be said about Vientos,” outfielder Brandon Nimmo told reporters postgame. “He’s really blossoming into a heck of a player, and is a force with his power and someone that you always have to worry about.
Mark Vientos hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning on Oct. 6. Getty Images
“Just so proud of him. I thought that was a huge moment, both of those home runs. They were spectacular.”
Vientos, who started the season in Triple-A after Brett Baty won the job at third base, J.D. Martinez signed to serve as the Mets’ designated hitter and the rest of the roster become clear, was called initially up on April 27 and then for good on May 15.
He hit .266 with an .837 OPS across 111 games — crushing 27 homers and collecting 71 RBIs — and in his first taste of MLB’s playoff stage, Vientos has contributed in difficult situations for the Mets near the top of their lineup.
The NLDS shifts back to Citi Field for Games 3 and 4 on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.
