The Mets’ Mark Vientos took it “personally” as the Dodgers ran bases loaded before his game-winning grand slam

Mets third baseman Mark Vientos delivered the biggest hit in New York’s series-tying NLCS Game 2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, a second-inning grand slam that led to an early 6-0 lead. It’s worth noting that Vientos was only able to hit this grand slam because the Dodgers intentionally walked Francisco Lindor with two outs and two runners in scoring position to load the bases. After the game, Vientos made it clear that he found this decision offensive.

“To be honest, I took it personally,” Vientos told FOX’s Tom Verducci during a postgame interview. “I was like, OK, you want me to be on the right track, I’m going to try to make a run. Honestly I tried to simplify the game, I didn’t try to do too much. But I did it.” Take it [personally] that she [walked Lindor.]”

Here’s a look at Vientos’ grand slam, the third in Mets postseason franchise history. (Lindor hit one during the NLDS last week and the other was launched by Edgardo Alfonzo back then.)

Additionally, Vientos set a Mets franchise record with his sixth multi-hit game in the playoffs, tying John Olerud (1999) and Todd Zeile (2000). It’s certain that Vientos will appear in at least three more playoff games in this series, suggesting he has a real chance of taking this record on his own. (To be fair, however, this is an apples-to-oranges comparison due to postseason expansion over the past two decades.)

The 24-year-old Vientos did not start the season as the Mets’ third baseman. Rather, he was given a chance after Brett Baty, a more decorated young player, failed to take advantage of his opportunity and was demoted to the minors. Vientos hit .266/.322/.516 (135 OPS+) on the regular season with 27 home runs and 71 runs batted in in 111 games. According to Baseball Reference’s calculations, his contributions were worth an estimated 3.2 wins above replacement.