Mark Vientos was in the on-deck circle when he watched Los Angeles Dodgers manager, Dave Roberts, decide to intentionally walk Francisco Lindor.
The 24-year-old New York Met nodded, then proceeded to channel his inner Michael Jordan and record the biggest hit of his life.
Vents rounds the bases in the top of the second after launching a grand slam in Game 2 of the NLCS to even the series 1-1 against the Los Angeles DodgersCaroline Brehman/EPA
With two outs in the top of the second, bases loaded, Vientos launched a ball to deep right field, sending it over the wall that helped the Mets defeat the Dodgers 7-3 and even the NLCS at one game apiece.
Vientos’ grand slam also produced a landmark moment.
He became the youngest player to hit a grand slam in LCS history, surpassing Rafael Devers in 2021.
When asked by FOX Sports’ Tom Verducci after the game what was going through his head, Vientos’ answer was reminiscent of the Chicago Bulls legend.
“To be honest with you, I took it personal,” Vientos said with a smile.
“I was like ‘OK, you want me up to the plate?’
“I’m gonna drive in a run. Honestly, I was trying to simplify the game. I wasn’t trying to do too much.
“But I did take it personal that they walked Lindor to load the bases for me.”
And Vientos made Dodgers pitcher Landon Knack pay.
“That’s who he is,” Lindor said of Vientos. “I’m glad he took it personal. He’s got to continue to climb.”
After being shut out 9-0 by the Dodgers in Game 1, the Mets responded in a big way to tie the series heading back to New York.
And that’s exactly where Vientos wants it.
“I want to go home,” Vientos said. “Playing in front of the New York fans is the best. I’m excited to get back.”
The series is now a best-of-five, as both teams are three wins away from the World Series and capturing the NL pennant.
Citi Field is going to be rocking, starting Wednesday evening for Game 3.
The Dodgers know they are in for a dogfight.
The team with an MLB-best, 98 regular season wins knows nothing is going to come easy.
“It’s going to be a dogfight,” said Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts.
“They’re a good baseball team, but we are too. It’s going to be a long series. We expect it to be a long, tough series.”
If Vientos keeps channeling his inner MJ, then this series may not be as long as Betts thinks.
