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New York Post
Mets’ ninth-inning outburst avoids no-hit ignominy in key win over Blue Jays
By Mike Puma,
3 hours ago
TORONTO — The Mets went the first 110 pitches they saw without getting a hit Wednesday and then received a huge one from their MVP, if not the National League’s.
Francisco Lindor led off the ninth inning with a shot that rocketed over the right-field fence at Rogers Centre, and the Mets were alive.
Bowden Francis’ no-hit dalliance was finished and the game was tied, but there was one last piece of business for the Mets to complete.
Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) hits a home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the ninth inning. Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The Mets handled it with a rally, scoring the go-ahead run on Pete Alonso’s sacrifice fly before piling on for a 6-2 victory in the series rubber game.
The Mets (80-66) have Thursday off before beginning a weekend series at NL East-leading Philadelphia.
Francis, who lost a no-hitter last month to the Angels on a ninth-inning homer, was allowed on this day to continue into the ninth to pursue the no-no at 108 pitches.
Lindor fell behind 0-2 in the count before crushing a 92-mph fastball for his 31st homer of the season.
The Mets haven’t been no-hit since Oct. 3, 2015, when Max Scherzer fired nine hitless innings for Washington in the second game of a doubleheader at Citi Field.
Blue Jays starting pitcher Bowden Francis (44) throws a pitch against the New York Mets during the first inning. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the ninth inning. Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Francis exited after Lindor’s homer, and the fun really began for the Mets. Jose Iglesias singled and reached second on a throwing error and Mark Vientos and Brandon Nimmo each walked to load the bases.
Alonso’s sacrifice fly brought in the go-ahead run and following a walk to J.D. Martinez another scored on Starling Marte’s sacrifice fly.
Francisco Alvarez joined the party with a three-run homer that gave the Mets plenty of cushion.
The Mets moved a half-game ahead of Atlanta in the race for the NL’s third wild card. The Braves played a night game in Washington.
Sean Manaea delivered a gem. The left-hander lasted 6 ²/₃ innings and allowed one earned run on three hits and four walks with eight strikeouts.
He remained in the game to throw a season-high 109 pitches.
Mets starting pitcher Sean Manaea (59) throws a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Manaea loaded the bases with nobody out in the fourth, but escaped with only run allowed. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ernie Clement each singled before Will Wagner’s walk loaded the bases.
Manaea got Davis Schneider to hit a grounder that Vientos fielded before stepping on base, with the run scoring.
Vientos’ throw to first base was late, but Manaea struck out Luis De Los Santos and retired Joey Loperfido to keep it at 1-0.
Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets throws the ball to first against the Toronto Blue Jays during the ninth inning. Getty Images
Francis retired the first 13 batters he faced before plunking Alonso in the fifth. Marte drew a two-out walk to extend the inning, but Alvarez was retired to still leave the Mets hitless.
Iglesias stuck his left elbow into a pitch and was awarded first base with two outs in the sixth, but Vientos was retired on a hard ground ball to third base, keeping the no-hit watch alive.
The inning started with Harrison Bader hitting a shot to deep left that Davis Schneider caught while leaping into the fence.
Francisco Lindor #12, Eddy Alvarez #26, Jose Iglesias #11, and Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets celebrate defeating the Toronto Blue Jays. Getty Images AP
The ball wouldn’t have cleared the fence, but would have given the Mets a leadoff extra-base hit.
Bowman retired Nimmo, Alonso and Martinez in order in the seventh inning to keep the no-hit watch alive at 102 pitches.
Francis was allowed to continue into the eighth. Marte and Alvarez each swung at the first pitch and were retired before pinch hitter Jesse Winker popped out to end the inning.
Francis got through the inning on only six pitches.
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