“I took it personal” - Mark Vientos opens up on the Dodgers walking Francisco Lindor intentionally before hitting a grand slam

After a 9-0 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1, Mark Vientos and the New York Mets bounce back in a big way at Dodger Stadium on Monday. The Mets won 7-3 in Game 2, thanks in large part to Vientos' grand slam.

Francisco Lindor hit a 395-foot homer in the first inning off Dodgers' pitcher Ryan Brasier, giving the Mets a 1-0 lead. In the second inning, Tyrone Taylor hit a double off Landon Knack, driving in another run for the Mets.

With two outs and the bases loaded later in the same inning, Knack intentionally walked Francisco Lindor, filling the bases to face Mark Vientos. Vientos responded by hitting a 391-foot grand slam, extending the Mets' lead to 6-0.

During a postgame interview with FOX's Tom Verducci, Vientos discussed the grand slam and the Dodgers’ decision to intentionally walk Lindor:

"To be honest with you, I took it personal. I was like, OK, you want me up to the plate, I'm going to try to 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 (personally) that they (walked Lindor.)"

The Dodgers tried to counter in the fifth inning with Max Muncy's 381-foot solo homer. Another attempt to close the six-run gap came in the sixth inning when Tommy Edman hit a two-run single.

However, the Mets extended their lead in the ninth inning with Starling Marte’s RBI single, securing their 7-3 victory over the Dodgers.

Mark Vientos opens up about the Mets 7-3 victory over the Dodgers

The New York Mets have now tied the NLCS after their Game 2 victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers. After going hitless in the series opener, Mark Vientos bounced back by going 2-for-5, driving in one run and four RBIs.

Discussing the victory, Vientos said (via New York Post):

“I think we’re in a great spot. I like the momentum we got. I like the energy we brought in this day game. We gotta keep it going.”

Vientos had a breakout season this year with 27 home runs and 71 RBIs. Prior to Game 2, he had hit two home runs in eight playoff games, with both coming in the same game against the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS.

Vientos and the Mets are scheduled to face the LA Dodgers on Wednesday at Citi Field for Game 3.