NY Mets win over the LA Dodgers came courtesy of 3 players who needed a big game

A thrilling 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers kept the good times rolling for the New York Mets. Now 3-1 against the defending champions this season, they’re one victory away from taking the tie-breaker as an added bonus come playoff seeding. With the remarkable rate at which the Mets are winning home games, taking a season series against other top contenders ups the ante on how meaningful those games are.

It couldn’t have happened without the help of a Francisco Lindor home run to lead off the game. Round-trippers off of his bat have been guaranteeing the Mets wins. Lindor has done his part this year. On this particular night, he got some help from three teammates who badly needed it, too.

Paul Blackburn did his part for the Mets

Five shutout innings for Mets starter Paul Blackburn was exactly what we wanted and didn’t expect. Thrown to the wolves in his season debut for 2025, Blackburn will be rewarded for his efforts with a trip to the bullpen.

It was a promising start to his 2025 season for Blackburn whose spot on the roster was greatly in question coming into the year. Once again, a guy we didn’t really believe in has given us a reason to pause for a moment before offering to drive him to the airport.

Francisco Alvarez finally had his big night

A pair of hits for Francisco Alvarez including a big double in the tenth inning to put the Mets ahead might’ve been exactly what the slumping catcher needed. The Mets have only knocked down his playing time by a few percentage points. The hope seems to be that a night like this can light a much needed fire under the youngsters.

Spend enough time on social media and you’ll find quick-triggered fans ready to demote Alvarez in favor of Hayden Senger. As lost as Alvarez has been, moments like these are something to build on.

Jose Butto came up clutch in the bottom of the 10th

Jose Castillo faced the minimum in the 10th and then it was Jose Butto’s turn to get the final 2 outs of the game. A fly out to center field followed by a groundout back to the mound put away the Dodgers for the evening.

Night one in Hollywood belonged to the Mets thanks in large part to a trio of players who needed a starring role for even just one game.