Francisco Lindor Hits 30-30 Milestone as New York Mets Top Chicago Cubs 8-5, Bolster NL Wild Card Hopes

Thursday, September 25th, 2025

New York Mets Defeat Chicago Cubs 8-5 to Stay in NL Wild Card Race

Francisco Lindor delivered a milestone home run and Brett Baty launched a three-run shot as the New York Mets powered past the Chicago Cubs 8-5 on Thursday night. With this critical win, the Mets remain solidly positioned for the final National League wild card spot.

Lindor Joins Elite 30-30 Club Again

Francisco Lindor connected for his 30th home run of the season, sending a solo blast over the left-field bleachers and onto Waveland Avenue in the third inning. This achievement, combined with his 31 stolen bases, marks the second straight season that Lindor has reached the 30-30 milestone as a Met. He joined teammate Juan Soto—who has 43 home runs and 36 stolen bases—in making Mets history as the club’s second pair of teammates to reach 30-30 in the same season, a feat last accomplished by Howard Johnson and Darryl Strawberry in 1987.

Mets Build Early Lead and Hold On

The Mets moved ahead early, opening up a six-run cushion by the third inning. Brett Baty’s three-run homer to left field extended the lead to 6-0, providing key insurance runs for New York. Despite a shaky outing by rookie starter Nolan McLean, who struck out a personal-best 11 but gave up five runs in 5 1/3 innings, the Mets bullpen held strong. Edwin Díaz closed the game, securing his 28th save in 31 chances.

Cubs' Offense Shows Life, but Not Enough

On the Cubs' side, Seiya Suzuki did his best to stage a comeback, hitting a solo homer in the fourth inning and adding a three-run shot in the sixth to pull Chicago closer. Dansby Swanson also homered for Chicago. However, starter Shota Imanaga struggled, giving up a season-high eight runs in 5 2/3 innings. The Cubs have now lost six of their last seven games.

Wild Card Standings Update

New York holds onto a one-game advantage over Cincinnati for the final NL wild card spot, with the Reds also winning their contest against Pittsburgh. The Cubs, despite their recent slump, still lead San Diego by two games for the top NL wild card position and potential home-field advantage in the opening round of the playoffs with three games left in the regular season.

Up Next

The Mets head to Miami for a series opener against the Marlins, sending rookie right-hander Brandon Sproat (0-1, 3.94 ERA) to the mound. Miami will counter with right-hander Sandy Alcantara (10-12, 5.48 ERA).

The Cubs have not announced a starter for Friday’s game against St. Louis, who will send Miles Mikolas (8-10, 4.76 ERA) to the hill.

In summary

The New York Mets kept their NL wild card hopes alive with a crucial 8-5 win over the Chicago Cubs, highlighted by Francisco Lindor's entry into the 30-30 club and Brett Baty’s key home run. As both teams move toward the regular season’s conclusion, the playoff picture remains intensely competitive, with pivotal games on the horizon for both squads.

MLB Schedules

Today's MLB Games

There are no baseball games today.

Tomorrow's MLB Games

There are no baseball games tomorrow.

Yesterday's MLB Games

There were no baseball games yesterday.