Francisco Lindor Walks Off Former Team, Guardians Drop Series Opener To Mets

The Cleveland Guardians blow a five-run lead to the New York Mets in the series opener, 10-9.

The Cleveland Guardians just can't seem to catch a break right now. Even when things start to go right for the offense, other holes on the team hurt the outcome of the game. 

This is what happened in the series opener with the New York Mets. The Guardians found a way to score nine runs, but the Mets got to Cleveland's bullpen and erased a five-run leading them to an extra-innings win.

The Guardians started off the game hot and scored three runs before the Mets even had a chance to step into the box. Josh Naylor crushed his fourth home run of the week and they kept piling on to make it a 5-0 ball game.

Can't believe it's already the 8th inning.#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/1gd2chmTbj

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) May 19, 2023

They were able to keep tallying more runs and had a 7-3 lead in the seventh inning thanks to RBI from Amed Rosario, Cam Gallagher, and Naylor again. 

But, Multiple walks and base hits gave New York a bases-loaded, no-out situation and they didn't miss on it. Pete Alonso hit a game-tying grand slam and absolutely lost it rounding the bases. 

Gabriel Arias broke the tie in extra innings with a two-run shot which is not his third home run of the season and second in two days. 

Then at the bottom of the 10th, Mark Viento and Francisco Alvarez each had RBI base hits to tie the game back up. This set the scene for Franciso Lindor's walk-off base hit right past Andres Gimenez.

Because why wouldn't this be how the game ended?

Francisco Lindor wins it against his former team! #walkoff pic.twitter.com/lOoae5zMun

— MLB (@MLB) May 20, 2023

After the game, Terry Francona said that" We haven't played from ahead like that much and it wasn't enough tonight, but it's still a better way to play."

Cleveland needs to figure out a way to close out games or they're going to watch their AL Central position slip with the White Sox and Tigers playing much better baseball over the last two weeks. 

----

Read More:

Another Guardians Starting Pitcher Heads To The Injured List

Two Plays That Prove Brayan Rocchio Should Stay With the Big League Club

The Guardians Have A Gabriel Arias Dilema

A Cleveland Catcher Hasn't Done This All Season

Guardians Avoid Sweep, Beat White Sox 3-1

Be sure to stay locked into Cleveland Baseball Insider all the time:

SUBSCRIBE to the CBI YouTube channel

Follow Cleveland Baseball Insider on Twitter: @CBI_FanNation

Photo Credit © Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports