Two lightning strikes in the same Subway Series? Clearly, that was too much to hope for from the Mets.
After eking out a win in the series opener with a patchwork bullpen effort, the Mets couldn’t replicate that success. Instead, they faltered, and the Yankees seized the moment, dodging a complete sweep with a commanding 6-4 victory at Citi Field.
The Mets saw their four-game winning streak cut short, marred by three momentum-killing double plays. Digging themselves into a 5-0 hole by the fifth inning, any chance of a comeback evaporated under pressure.
In a dramatic twist, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was ejected in the ninth inning, passionately arguing a called third strike on Luis Torrens. This marked Mendoza’s second ejection in just eight games, proving he’s not afraid to show his frustration.
The Yankees’ bullpen delivered a stellar performance, particularly Devin Williams, who threw a flawless ninth. Tim Hill also stepped up, providing 1 ¹/₃ scoreless innings to preserve the win.
Max Fried had an unceremonious exit after hitting Brandon Nimmo to start the sixth. Though he permitted three earned runs on six hits, Fried managed to strike out five, showcasing his talent even in a short outing.
Chris Devenski executed an impressive two-inning start for the Mets, securing out six of the seven batters he faced with a mix of off-speed pitches. He exited the game while it was still scoreless—an opportunity missed.
Austin Wells launched a home run against Zach Pop in the third, marking his 13th homer of the season. Pop allowed a single to Trent Grisham but escaped further damage—his luck was running thin.
Pop’s fortunes faded in the fourth, surrendering a lead-off double to Giancarlo Stanton and an ensuing single to Cody Bellinger. This set the stage for Antony Volpe’s fielder’s choice, allowing the Yankees to take a 2-0 lead. When Pop gave up another hit, Brandon Waddell came in to stem the tide, but the Yankees were already gaining momentum.
Aaron Judge’s two-run blast in the fifth deepened the Mets’ woes, putting them in a 5-0 predicament. It was another reminder that in high-pressure moments, the Yankees know how to deliver.
Despite this setback, Francisco Lindor managed to narrow the gap in the fourth with a two-run single, bringing the score to 5-2. This drew on the recent success of Jeff McNeil, Hayden Senger, and Starling Marte, who each contributed singles in that pivotal inning. But just when it seemed the tide might turn, Fried struck out Juan Soto, preventing any further damage.
With the bases loaded and no outs in the sixth, the Mets clawed back, as a clutch infield single from McNeil brought the score to 5-3. But a double-play grounder from Senger dashed hopes of tying the game.
In the seventh, Judge added to the Yankees’ lead with a sacrifice fly, ensuring the Mets remained on the defensive after the earlier rally. When Lindor was hit by a pitch, the Mets thought they had a rhythm. But a slick double play ended that quickly, again highlighting the Yankees’ defensive prowess.
In the end, the Mets let a golden opportunity slip through their fingers, and it’s clear: consistent execution is non-negotiable in Major League Baseball. The Mets must regroup; this loss is more than just a game, it’s a call to action.
