Three days ago, Francisco Lindor carried the Mets to a much-needed, road-trip-closing victory with a pair of home runs. On Saturday, he struck out four times and popped up with the bases loaded to end a second straight dismal home defeat. Its been that kind of start to the season for the star shortstop: one step forward, two steps back. Shogo Akiyama Jersey Francisco Lindor reacts after striking out in the fifth inning of the Mets 7-4 lo s to the Cardinals. Bill Kostroun / New York Post Its one of those that I had a couple of opportunities I couldve helped the team, whether it was scoring runs or saving runs, Lindor said after the at Citi Field, losing their second straight series. Its one of those, you try to look back, you try to go play by play, and youre not happy with it. He added: Ive got to put the ball in play, thats the bottom line. Its an uphill fight for me. I have to stay the course, keep climbing. Just have to have better at-bats. Explore More The notoriously slow-starting Lindor struck out in his first four trips to the plate, but he had a chance to atone in the ninth. Trailing 6-0 at one point, the Mets loaded the bases with two outs and sent Lindor up as the potential game-winning run. He swung at the first pitch he saw from closer Ryan Helsley, but failed to get on top of the 101 mph fastball, popping up to shortstop Masyn Winn. Francisco Lindor is held back by first base coach Antoan Richardson while he argues with umpire Laz Diaz after being called out for running outside the baseline after trying to reach on a wild pitch after striking out in the eighth inning. Bill Kostroun/New York Post When you have four strikeouts, you swing, he said jokingly when asked what his approach was in that instance. I thought it was a good pitch for me to hit. It was a pitch right there. I just mi sed it. After going 0-for-5, Lindor is back on the interstate, hitting .198 along with a .626 OPS. He swung at six pitches out of the strike zone Saturday and, after chasing a fastball in the dirt in the eighth, he let his emotions get the best of him. Delivering insights on all things Amazins Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Lindor sprinted to first base on the wild pitch, but while he beat the off-target throw, he ran out of the baseline, running too far onto the gra s. Lindor had to be restrained. Later, he admitted the correct call was made. They got it right, he said. Bottom line, they got it right. So hats off to them. I was definitely too much in the gra s. It was part of a forgettable day for the Mets shortstop one of many so far for him in this young season. Austin Wynns Jersey