After a big win in the second game of the series, the New York Mets’ pitching and defense almost foiled their afternoon Sunday. However, huge hits and a comeback not seen in almost two years propelled the Mets to a series win, taking the home portion of the Subway Series 7-6 and finishing a strong 5-1 homestand. The Mets are now six games under .500, but with all the momentum on their side.
The Mets’ pitching was a mixed bag, as both Freddy Peralta and Sean Manaea displayed moments of brilliance alongside some struggles. Peralta had a decent outing, going five innings and giving up two hits, but he allowed three runs, striking out four while walking six. He struggled with his command for most of the afternoon. The two earned runs were charged to Peralta after he left two runners on base, who then scored when Manaea took over.
Manaea started rocky but found some rhythm toward the end. He pitched four innings of relief on 57 pitches, allowing four hits, three runs (two earned), while walking two and striking out three. He relieved Peralta in the sixth inning and was instrumental in the Yankees’ four-run sixth, walking two and giving up a bases-loaded hit to Anthony Volpe, followed by a sacrifice fly from Amed Rosario. Manaea also hit Paul Goldschmidt on the foot to load the bases before Volpe’s hit.
In the top of the 10th, the Yankees threatened with the free runner, Ryan McMahon, stealing third and Anthony Volpe getting a walk. Devin Williams came through clutch, striking out Max Schuemann and forcing Austin Wells to ground out into an inning-ending double play after a solid snag by Mark Vientos at first base. Williams, who got the win, continued to show his strong comeback with a series of solid appearances on the mound.
The Mets’ defense had its lapses, while the Yankees were impressive. Trent Grisham, Spencer Jones, and Schuemann all made solid catches in the outfield for the Yankees. In contrast, Tyrone Taylor overthrew a cutoff man in the sixth inning and failed to support Bo Bichette as he backpedaled for a ball in shallow left, allowing a run to score.
Tyrone Taylor. (Photo credits: USA Today)
The Mets’ offense came through when it mattered, especially from Luis Torrens and Tyrone Taylor. After the Yankees took the lead, Luis Torrens drove in two runs with a double in the bottom of the sixth, keeping the game close. Following another Yankees run, the Mets rallied in the bottom of the ninth, putting two runners on base. Tyrone Taylor then knocked a hanging breaking pitch near the foul pole in left field, tying the game at six.
In the bottom of the 10th, the Mets advanced the free runner to third base following A.J. Ewing‘s first professional sacrifice bunt. Luis Torrens was hit by a pitch from Yankees reliever Tim Hill during this inning. The Yankees attempted a five-man infield, with Max Schuemann serving as the fifth infielder. He ended up colliding with his own teammate, allowing Carson Benge to slap a ball up the middle. The contact impeded Jazz Chisholm Jr.‘s ability to field the ball cleanly, allowing Marcus Semien to score easily.
Marcus Semien had a strong performance, collecting two hits alongside Mark Vientos. Bo Bichette snapped an 0-for-15 streak, with every player in the lineup recording a hit except MJ Melendez and Hayden Senger. This victory, where the team overcame a deficit of more than four runs after eight innings, ended a drought in which they lost their last 91 games when trailing after eight innings.
Player of the Game: Tyrone Taylor
Tyrone Taylor wasn’t his normal elite defensive self, but he had the biggest hit of the game Sunday. After stunning the ball in his first two at-bats, which came after he replaced MJ Melendez, Taylor launched the game-tying three-run homer.
On Deck
The Mets are right back at it as they head to Washington, D.C. to take on the Nationals Monday. Christian Scott (0-0, 3.45 ERA) will toe the slab for the Mets while Jake Irvin (1-4, 5.91 ERA) rivals him for the Nationals. First pitch will take place at 6:45 pm ET and will be broadcast on SNY and Mets Radio 880.
