Francisco Lindor homers after wife’s anthem, Mets beat Padres

TL;DR:

Mets beat Padres 8-3 on September 16, 2025.
Lindor hit his 27th homer after his wife played the anthem.
He is the Mets’ 2025 Roberto Clemente Award nominee.
New York opened with five runs and four total homers.
Mets stayed in the NL wild card race with the win.

Francisco Lindor’s Tuesday had it all.
A family moment before first pitch, a no-doubt swing after it, and a needed win for the Mets on September 16, 2025.

The Mets beat the Padres 8-3 at Citi Field, opening a key three-game set with authority. New York scored five in the first and hit four homers to take control early. Brett Baty, Lindor, Pete Alonso, and Cedric Mullins left the yard.

A family prelude, then a blast

Before the game, Lindor watched proudly from the field as his wife, Katia, a classically trained violinist, performed the national anthem. Their children joined the moment on Hispanic Heritage Night. Minutes later, Lindor went deep to right-center for his 27th home run.

ESPN highlighted the sequence, noting the anthem performance and Lindor’s homer that helped extend the Mets’ early lead. The clip from MLB shows the swing while he wore No. 21 to honor Roberto Clemente.

Clemente Award nod underscores impact off the field

Earlier that day, MLB named Lindor the Mets’ nominee for the 2025 Roberto Clemente Award. It marked his third straight nomination, a reflection of sustained community work. The league also published the full slate of 30 club nominees on September 15.

The award recognizes character, community service, and contributions to baseball. Lindor’s programs in New York and Puerto Rico have been central to his candidacy, according to MLB’s coverage.

Game context and standings picture

The 8-3 win moved New York forward in a tight wild card race. Reuters reported it as the opener of a crucial series, with both clubs in the mix. New York also secured a second straight win after a tough stretch.

The Mets used a piggyback pitching plan. Clay Holmes started, then Sean Manaea followed and got the win with five strong innings. The early offense against Michael King set the tone.

Game snapshot

Item	Detail
Date	September 16, 2025
Result	Mets 8, Padres 3
NYM HRs	Baty, Lindor, Alonso, Mullins
Pitching note	Manaea 5 IP, 1 R in relief
Playoff context	Clubs vying for NL wild card

Facts per Reuters game report.

Lindor’s 2025 trajectory

Through Tuesday, ESPN’s player page listed Lindor at 27 homers and an OPS just under .800, a solid line for a shortstop who plays every day. His bat has heated up at key moments in September games.

He has also played through pain this season. In June, he fractured a right pinky toe on a hit by pitch, avoided the injured list, and quickly returned. MLB and ESPN recapped the injury and his fast comeback.

That background adds context to nights like Tuesday. He contributed on the field while his family helped lift the night’s energy before it.

What this means for the Mets

New York needs impact innings and early leads. The club got both. The five-run first eased pressure on the bullpen and set up the piggyback plan. The power display hints at an offense that can change a series.

If the Mets keep stacking wins, that June injury stretch will feel distant. The wild card race leaves little margin, but performances like Tuesday’s are exactly what a contender needs.

Quick checklist for Mets fans this week

Track Lindor’s at-bats for added pop in big spots.
Watch the piggyback plan in game two of the series.
Follow MLB’s Roberto Clemente Award vote and announcements.
Monitor wild card standings after each result.
Circle rubber game scenarios if series is tied.

Why it matters

Lindor is not only producing. He is anchoring team identity.
His home run helped win a September game that matters, while his Clemente nod highlights daily work in the community. That blend is why his season resonates with New York and beyond.

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