Mets End 12-Game Losing Streak with 3-2 Win Over Twins, Lindor Suffers Calf Injury
POLICY WIRE — New York, USA — The New York Mets experienced a bittersweet triumph on Wednesday night, as their hard-fought victory was overshadowed by a potentially significant injury to their star...
POLICY WIRE — New York, USA — The New York Mets experienced a bittersweet triumph on Wednesday night, as their hard-fought victory was overshadowed by a potentially significant injury to their star shortstop.
The team successfully ended a challenging 12-game skid, securing a 3-2 win against the Minnesota Twins. This much-needed victory, achieved in the 2026 season, marked the fourth-longest losing streak in franchise history that the Mets managed to snap.
However, the celebration was tempered by concerns over Francisco Lindor, who departed the game in the fourth inning with a calf injury. This development occurred on the very same day that the Mets welcomed back the esteemed Juan Soto from his own calf strain, creating a moment of mixed emotions for the organization.
Manager Carlos Mendoza anticipates that Lindor will be sidelined for at least several weeks, pending an MRI scheduled for Thursday to confirm the injury’s severity and recovery timeline. Speaking after the game, Mendoza acknowledged the ongoing challenges, stating,
“It’s what we’re dealing with right now… We’ve got to figure it out. We gotta find a way.”
Soto’s Return and Early Lead
The day began on a high note with Juan Soto‘s activation from the injured list. The $765 million slugger expressed his eagerness to return to play, telling reporters,
“To be back on the field is always great… That’s what we do this for, you love.”
His return was a beacon of hope for the struggling Mets lineup.
Starting pitcher Clay Holmes set a strong tone, efficiently retiring the Twins in the first inning with just 10 pitches. The Mets offense then capitalized, with Bo Bichette leading off with a double and scoring on an infield single by Francisco Lindor, igniting the Citi Field crowd on a cool April evening.
The initial optimism, however, was tested throughout the game. While Holmes delivered another commendable performance, the Mets struggled to generate consistent offense against rookie left-hander Connor Prielipp, who was making his MLB debut for the Twins.
Pitching Duel and Lindor’s Exit
Holmes continued his impressive season, surrendering only two runs on five hits over seven innings, walking one, and striking out three, which lowered his season ERA to 2.12. Despite his strong outing, he did not factor into the decision.
Prielipp largely matched Holmes early on, striking out the side in the second inning and showcasing a formidable 96 mph fastball. He allowed two runs on four hits in four innings, striking out six and keeping the Twins competitive.
The Twins managed to score in the fourth when Trevor Larnach doubled and later crossed the plate on a lineout by Victor Caratini. However, the Mets quickly responded. Lindor hit a one-out single, then aggressively rounded first base before stopping. On the very next pitch, Francisco Alvarez doubled, allowing Lindor to score and put the Mets ahead. It was after sliding safely at home that Lindor lingered on the ground before slowly exiting the field.
Manager Mendoza confirmed his immediate concern:
“I knew right away when he was running third base that something wasn’t right there… I knew something was up because it wasn’t because he thought it was an easy play at the plate, you know, and right away you could see his face walking towards the dugout. I knew something wasn’t right.”
With Lindor out, Bo Bichette moved to shortstop and Brett Baty took over at third base.
Late-Game Drama and Vientos’ Heroics
The Twins tied the game in the sixth with a solo home run from Byron Buxton. The Mets squandered an opportunity later in the inning when Mark Vientos ran through a clear stop sign on a Marcus Semien double and was thrown out at the plate.
Despite the gaffe, Vientos remained confident in his decision:
“I was just following my instincts… I saw the stop sign, but, like I said, I was following my instincts.”
Relief pitcher Luke Weaver inherited a bases-loaded, two-out situation in the eighth inning and managed to escape by inducing an inning-ending pop-up, preserving the tie. In the bottom of the eighth, Soto delivered an RBI single but was caught stealing shortly after. However, back-to-back walks to Baty and Alvarez set the stage for Vientos once more.
With the game tied, Vientos blooped a single into right field, scoring Baty and securing the Mets’ lead. This critical hit was his only one of the night, but it proved decisive. Manager Mendoza lightheartedly acknowledged Vientos‘ redemption:
“I’m glad he got that hit.”
This win offers a stark contrast to the dominant runs seen by other teams in the league. For instance, the Chicago Cubs have recently extended their own significant MLB win streak, demonstrating the highs and lows inherent in baseball.
A Collective Sigh of Relief
Weaver closed out the ninth inning, striking out three batters, including Byron Buxton, to seal the 3-2 victory. Reflecting on the intense moment, Weaver described it as a “sigh of relief,” acknowledging the immense pressure the team had been under.
“I don’t want to say there was a lot of weight, right?… The harder you try, a lot of times, the more you fail.”
Clay Holmes echoed the sentiment, highlighting the mental toll of the losing streak:
“Things start spinning. It’s a lot going on… But you’re doing everything you should be doing.”
Manager Mendoza emphasized the importance of a positive mindset, even during difficult periods:
“You have to stay positive… Your mindset has got to be to expect something good to happen for us.”
Despite improving their record to 8-16, the atmosphere in the clubhouse was one of joyous relief. As Holmes exclaimed,
“Winning is fun, you know?”
followed by an enthusiastic cheer. While the victory is a morale booster, the immediate future for the Mets remains uncertain with Francisco Lindor‘s injury looming.
