10. Marathon in Oakland

Game 2 of the 1973 World Series against the A’s was (for 23 years) the longest played by time. It remains one of the craziest as well. This game lasted four hours and 13 minutes and featured a fair share of miscues on both sides. Even the umpires were prone to mistakes, none more famous than a missed call when Bud Harrelson tried to score on a fly ball to left field.

Fortunately for the Mets, they salvaged a split with a 10-7, 12-inning victory. The blinding sun did no favors to fielders trying to make otherwise routine plays. Not even Willie Mays, in his final appearance, was immune. The A’s Mike Andrews contributed two errors in the late stages, which led to him being forcibly dismissed by owner Charles O. Finley.

9. Subway Series Victory

After coming agonizingly close to beating the Yankees in the first two games in The Bronx, the Mets could claim a win once the series got back to Shea Stadium. The Yankees, as usual, didn’t make it easy.

The Mets rallied to tie it in the sixth on a Todd Zeile RBI double. Then, in the eighth, Zeile singled and Benny Agbayani drove him home with a go-ahead double. Bubba Trammell added an insurance run with a sacrifice fly. John Franco earned the win and Armando Benítez closed the door, snapping the Yankees’ incredible 14-game World Series winning streak.

8. Carter’s Two Homers

The Mets evened the ’86 World Series with the Red Sox behind two home runs from their future Hall of Fame catcher, Gary Carter, who was making his first World Series appearance after 13 big-league seasons. The first blast came in the top of the fourth against Sox starter Al Nipper, and the second was a mammoth shot over the Green Monster on a curveball from reliever Steve Crawford.

Carter’s three RBIs and multi-homer game were the driving force behind the Mets’ 6-2 victory at Fenway Park.

“All I got on my mind is getting that World Series ring,” he said in the postgame interview. Carter was ensured he’d get that ring a few days later.

7. Wright Has the Power

He had spent 12 seasons waiting to make the Fall Classic. He had spent many months just hoping to be healthy. In his first World Series at-bat in New York (and the first World Series game at Citi Field) with a runner on base, David Wright sent a towering drive over the left-center field fence and sent the crowd into a frenzy. Wright’s classic swing put the Mets on top, 2-1. New York went on to capture their lone win of the series, 9-3, with Wright tacking on two more RBIs in the sixth with a single to center.

6. Dykstra Provides a Spark

Being down 2-0 in the series following a pair of losses at home, the Mets were in desperate need of a quick start in Boston. How’s a leadoff homer in the top of the first? Lenny Dykstra went deep against Red Sox starter Oil Can Boyd on the third pitch of the game.

Dykstra’s homer kicked off a four-run inning and helped swing the momentum in New York’s favor. Bob Ojeda took it from there, delivering a wonderful start against his former team as the Mets cruised to a 7-1 victory.

5. Seaver, Swoboda Save the Day

The Mets’ ace didn’t pitch like one in the 1969 World Series opener with the Orioles. He did on this afternoon, however, with New York holding a 2-1 series edge.

Tom Seaver went all 10 innings and allowed just a run on six hits. But he had some help. With the Mets up 1-0 in the ninth and runners on the corners, Brooks Robinson drove a sinking liner to right field. Ron Swoboda was not a great defender, but he was here. In fact, he made a catch that’s still unbelievable. His diving, backhanded grab before the ball touched the ground prevented the O’s from taking the lead.

The Mets won in the bottom of the 10th on a controversial error made on a J.C. Martin bunt, giving New York the chance to close it out at home.

4. Agee Takes Over

Is it possible for one player to win a game by himself? The Mets’ center fielder put that question to the test in the first World Series game at Shea Stadium.

Tommie Agee was known best for his glove, and he showcased that with two incredible catches. In the fourth inning with men on first and third, Agee made a backhanded running catch at the 396-foot mark on a ball off the bat of Elrod Hendricks. Then in the seventh, with the bases loaded and Nolan Ryan pitching, Agee dove by the warning track in right-center and hauled in a liner by Paul Blair.

Those two defensive gems overshadowed his leadoff home run against Jim Palmer. Agee saved five runs and created one for his own team in a 5-0 Mets victory.

3. “The Dream Has Come True”

The Mets were supposed to be World Series champions from the beginning of the 1986 season. They fulfilled that promise. The way in which they did it showed that for all their dominance, they had character and resolve when it mattered most.

For all the dramatics that played out in Game 6, the winner-take-all Game 7 was anything but a sure thing for New York. Boston jumped out to a 3-0 lead and held it into the sixth. That’s when the Mets’ offense finally got to Bruce Hurst. It loaded the bases for Keith Hernandez, who delivered the biggest hit of his career when he drove in two with a single to center. New York went on to score eight runs over the final three innings — including MVP Ray Knight‘s seventh-inning homer off Calvin Schiraldi and Darryl Strawberry‘s cherry-on-top blast in the eighth.

Jesse Orosco prevented the Red Sox from evening it in the top half of the inning, holding the tying run at second. He got the final three outs in order and initiated a celebration that was some six months in the waiting.

2. The Miracle is Complete

In April 1969, humans were hundreds of thousands of miles away from setting foot on the moon just as the Mets seemed far away from a World Series title. By October 15, both distances had been covered and both feats had been achieved.

With the Orioles up 3-0 and poised to take the series back to Baltimore, Cleon Jones was hit by a pitch (the famous “shoe polish” tactic from manager Gil Hodges). Donn Clendenon belted his third homer of the series to pull New York to within a run.

Al Weis, emblematic of the unlikely nature of the Mets’ unexpected success, delivered in the seventh with a game-tying home run — the only round-tripper he hit at Shea all year — to finish off a fabulous .455 batting average over the five games. Two doubles and two Oriole errors in the eighth led to a 5-3 Mets lead.

It was an advantage the Mets’ superb big-game pitcher would protect. Jerry Koosman allowed just one hit over the final six innings while his hitters mounted their comeback. The final out came off the bat of Davey Johnson and landed in the glove of Cleon Jones in left field.

1. Game 6

It’s been talked about, shown, and debated a million times over (at least). In film, in books, and in spoken word, October 25, 1986, is among the greatest days in the history of the universe for Mets fans and (for a while) among the worst for Red Sox fans.

Wally Backman and Hernandez flew out to start the bottom of the 10th with New York down two runs. It brought Boston within one out of its first title since 1918 and the Mets to within one out of their season being a colossal disappointment.

The rest is a sequence of events that remains unbelievable. A Gary Carter single, a Kevin Mitchell single, a Ray Knight single, a wild pitch by Bob Stanley, all leading up to Mookie Wilson‘s grounder.

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Sure, they couldn’t finish the sweep against the Yankees after effectively punting Sunday’s finale. But, even so, the Mets were able to take two out of three for their second consecutive series win.

Furthermore, despite dealing with a pitching crisis, the Mets went a combined 4-2 against the Brewers and the Yankees at Citi Field. This team also showed a hell of a lot of fight and moxie against the Yanks in particular.

With the All-Star break a week away, the Mets have begun to turn a real corner following the recent 3-14 stretch. And how the first two games against the Yankees were won was especially impressive.

On that note, let’s jump right into the latest edition of 3 Up, 3 Down …

Jeff McNeil (1) Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

3 UP

DO-IT ALL JEFF

Jeff McNeil continues to prove that he’s a valuable member of this team. He also continues to show that he can help the Mets win in a variety of ways. We saw that in the series opener on Friday. McNeil delivered the go-ahead runs with a two-run shot in the seventh inning. He then made a stellar and clutch defensive play in the ninth to keep the tying run from reaching base. In other words, McNeil had his fingerprints all over the win on July 4. He also went 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI in the finale. As the Mets have begun to turn the page following a tough stretch, McNeil has been at the heart of the resurgence.

BIG BOYS GO OFF

Key to the Mets taking two out of three over the holiday weekend was the top of the lineup going off. It all began on Friday, when Juan Soto finished a triple shy of the cycle. He went 3-for-4 with a two-run bomb, a double, two runs scored and two RBIs against his former team. Then, on Saturday, this lineup delivered arguably its best offensive performance of the entire year so far. The offense exploded for 12 runs, led by the red-hot Brandon Nimmo‘s grand slam in the first inning.

Pete Alonso went yard twice and drove in five runs, with Nimmo and Alonso combining for three homers and nine RBIs. Francisco Lindor was also good in this series, going 3-for-11 with a double, four runs scored, three RBIs and two walks in the three games. If the Mets are to be successful, they need the top of the lineup to be this explosive on a more consistent basis.

REDEMPTION TIME

All eyes were on Reed Garrett when he entered Friday’s game. After all, the reliever was still dealing with the ghosts of his last outing – a four-run implosion against the Brewers. In what was a close game, Garrett couldn’t afford to melt down for the second straight outing. That never happened, thankfully. Instead, the veteran locked it down and produced a real gutsy six-out save, allowing just one hit with no walks and one strikeout. It was the perfect redemption arc for Garrett, who helped set the tone for the rest of the weekend with his heroics.

Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

3 DOWN

FLAT FINISH

You can’t blame the Mets for the direction they took on Sunday. With the starting rotation in pieces and the bullpen taxed to the max, punting on the finale with a mishmash of relievers was the only way to go. And, still, the outcome could have been different were it not for Cody Bellinger‘s defensive masterclass in the seventh inning. But, yet, there is a feeling that the Mets let an opportunity pass them by by not going for the kill on Sunday. Yes, a series win is a series win. However, completing the sweep against their cross-town rivals would have served as a real high point following the recent dark slump.

GROWING CONCERN

How do you solve a problem like Mark Vientos? That’s the No. 1 burning question for the Mets right now, and one they don’t seem to have an answer for. The struggling third baseman went a combined 0-for-6 against the Yankees. He was pinch-hit for during the sixth inning of Sunday’s game, further proof that his bat just hasn’t been reliable this year. Vientos is hitting just .080/.080/.080/.160 over his last seven games. He’s hitting .212/.275/.344/.619 on the year. If the Mets are to live up to their potential this year, they need production from the middle of the lineup. Vientos is key to that. If he can’t figure this out – and soon – then that could spell real trouble.

ANOTHER PUNCH IN THE MOUTH

You will be forgiven for wondering if the Mets have been struck with an injury curse in 2025. After all, they can’t seem to get through a series healthy right now. That continued this weekend with Starling Marte set to undergo testing on his right knee, which flared up during his final at-bat of the series finale. Given that it is the same knee Marte has had issues with before, there is probably reason to be a little worried right now. Losing Marte would be a blow, considering that the veteran has now settled nicely into a part-time role for the ballclub. He went 3-for-5 on Sunday. Marte is also hitting .327/.368/.385/.753 over his last 14 games.

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Per Anthony DiComo of SNY, Tylor Megill will begin a throwing program off flat ground on Saturday. The inflammation in Megill’s right elbow has significantly reduced, and it’s expected his ramp-up to speed will not be lengthy. Even though Megill had been struggling prior to his injury, his return would be huge given the current depleted state of the Mets rotation.

Latest Mets News

The Mets (51-38) defeated the Yankees (48-40) 6-5 in the Subway Series opener on Friday. Justin Hagenman battled through 4 1/3 innings in his first major league start, and Juan Soto and Jeff McNeil both homered to power the Mets over their crosstown rivals.

Prior to Friday’s game, the Mets placed reliever José Buttó on the injured list with an illness. To take his spot on the roster, the Mets called up Chris Devenski.

Anthony DiComo of SNY reported in addition to the Megill news that Kodai Senga will make his first rehab start for Double-A Binghamton on Saturday. If all goes well, there’s a chance Senga will return to the Mets rotation without needing further rehab starts.

The Mets received fantastic starts from top pitching prospects Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong in Triple-A and Double-A respectively on Friday. Sproat had his second consecutive scoreless outing, tossing five innings and striking out eight. Tong, meanwhile, allowed two runs in 5 2/3 innings and struck out 10.

Brooks Raley had another easy rehab appearance on Friday for Triple-A Syracuse, tossing a scoreless inning. Over the course of his rehab, Raley has thrown 6 2/3 scoreless innings with 11 strikeouts.

The Mets are signing 19-year-old Italian amateur free agent pitcher Matteo Marelli to a contract, becoming the first European amateur signing in Mets history.

Latest MLB News

The Angels signed former Met Brandon Drury to a minor league deal for his second stint with the team.

Latest on MMO

Kai Chang recaps the latest start from David Peterson in Thursday’s win over the Brewers, returning to form after a few ugly starts.

On This Date in Mets History

1962: The Mets signed 19-year-old Cleon Jones to a contract for just $1,000. Jones played a key role on the Mets from 1963 through 1975 and was one of the team’s best players in their 1969 World Series championship season.

Born On This Date: Jeff Innis (1962)

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Jeff McNeil (1) Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The Mets’ ever-thinning pitching staff bent, but didn’t break. Justin Hagenman, making his first major league start, gave up three solo homers, including back-to-back dingers to lead off the game by Jasson Domínguez and Aaron Judge. However, he was able to go 4 1/3 innings and pass the baton to Austin Warren, who gave up a second homer to Domínguez, a two-run blast that broke a 3-3 tie in the fifth inning.

Hagenman may not have been starting if it weren’t for injuries to Kodai Senga, Tylor Megill, Griffin Canning, Paul Blackburn and Sean Manaea. José Buttó, a reliever but the point still stands, was placed on the injured list because of an illness on Friday.

Brett Baty’s solo shot brought the Mets within 5-4 in the sixth before McNeil’s ninth homer of the season put the Mets ahead for good.

Huascar Brazobán pitched a scoreless seventh and Reed Garrett finished it off with a two-inning save. He was aided by a great defensive play from McNeil at second base, who made a diving stop in the hole and threw out DJ LeMahieu for the penultimate out of the ninth inning.

Hagenman became the fifth Met to make his first major league start vs. the Yankees. The others were Jeremy Griffiths (2003), Hisanori Takahashi (2010) and Rafael Montero and Jacob deGrom, who did it in back-to-back starts in May 2014.

Stats of the Game

The Mets gave up three or more long balls for the third time in five games. They didn’t do that once in the first 84 contests of the season.

The seven combined home runs in today’s contest tied the record for the most in a Subway Series game. The first time that occurred was on Sept. 24, 2009.

Player of the Game

Soto, who went 1-for-10 in the Bronx in May, homered, doubled and scored twice on Friday. His slash line is up to .266/.399/.516.

On Deck

Frankie Montas (0-1, 6.00 ERA) will make his third start as a Met. He is 2-1 with a 1.89 ERA in 19 innings pitched vs. the Yankees, his former team, in his career. Lefty Carlos Rodón (9-5, 2.95 ERA) goes for the Yankees. He is 3-0 with a 1.15 ERA in 15 2/3 innings against the Mets. Game time is 4:10 p.m. ET. It will air on SNY, FS1 and YES.

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The Mets won a series! The Mets won a series!

After losing 14 of 17 games, the Mets have now won two games in row on the back of a strong performance from David Peterson against the Milwaukee Brewers and are building a bit of momentum heading into this weekend’s series against the Yankees, who are also in a bit of a slump. They just got swept by the Toronto Blue Jays, who took over first place in the AL East as a result.

The Mets’ rotation, though, is in shambles. The club announced on Thursday that Paul Blackburn was headed to the injured list with a right shoulder impingement. Kodai Senga, Tylor Megill, Griffin Canning and Blackburn have now all landed on the IL, leaving the Mets in a bit of a pickle.

Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Mets Lineup

1. Brandon Nimmo – LF
2. Francisco Lindor – SS
3. Juan Soto – RF
4. Pete Alonso – 1B
5. Jeff McNeil – 2B
6. Luis Torrens – C
7. Brett Baty – 3B
8. Ronny Mauricio – DH
9. Tyrone Taylor – CF

Hagenman, who was recalled on Thursday, will get the bulk of the work today. He’s pitched two games for the Mets totaling six innings while allowing only one run on five hits and striking out five batters. His success in the majors has not been replicated consistently with Triple-A Syracuse, where he has a 6.21 ERA over 42 innings. Following Hagenman’s last outing with the big league club in June, he’s allowed six runs over 8 2/3 innings in Syracuse. When pushed, Hagenman can go 70-80 pitches.

Opposing Lineup

1. Jasson Domínguez – LF
2. Aaron Judge – RF
3. Cody Bellinger – CF
4. Giancarlo Stanton – DH
5. Jazz Chisholm Jr. – 3B
6. Paul Goldschmidt – 1B
7. J.C. Escarra – C
8. Anthony Volpe – SS
9. DJ LeMahieu – 2B

Former Met Marcus Stroman will get the nod for the Yankees this afternoon. He has made four starts this season totaling 14 1/3 innings with a 8.16 ERA, 6.58 FIP, 1.674 WHIP and a 50 ERA+. His year got off to a rough start, as he posted an 11.57 ERA over three starts from the end of March through mid-April. A knee injury sidelined him for a few months, and he came back strong in his last outing, allowing only one run over five innings against the Athletics.

The Mets have the following career numbers against Stroman:

• Pete Alonso 2-5, 2B
• Brett Baty 0-3
• Travis Jankowski 3-11, 2B, 5 K
• Francisco Lindor 6-27, 2B, 2 BB, 6 K
• Starling Marte 1-8, BB
• Jeff McNeil 0-5
• Brandon Nimmo 1-5, 3 BB, 2 K
• Juan Soto 3-10, 2B, HR, 4 BB, 2 K
• Tyrone Taylor 1-2, 2B

Game Notes

• Drew Gilbert and Nolan McLean both had big days as part of a winning effort for Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday.
• As noted by MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo, the Mets are expected to roll with Frankie Montas and Brandon Waddell as their starting pitchers on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
• Manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters that the Mets hope Kodai Senga (hamstring) will throw 60 to 65 pitches in a rehab start for Double-A Binghamton tomorrow. Tylor Megill (elbow sprain), meanwhile, is set to restart a throwing program off flat ground on Saturday, per DiComo.

Three Things To Watch For

1. Brandon Nimmo. From June 22 to July 1, Nimmo played in nine games where he hit well (9-for-33, .273/.314/.303) but only had one extra base hit. In his last two contests, however, he has gone 3-for-9 with two home runs, including a grand slam on Wednesday night. The offense is still struggling to score runs as a whole, but a Nimmo hot streak can go a long way towards relieving the Mets’ tired pitching staff.
2. Juan Soto. Luckily for Mets fans, all three games this weekend against the Yankees are being broadcasted on SNY. During the nationally-televised Sunday Night Baseball matchup in May’s rendition of the Subway Series, we got our fill of Soto talk. During that series, he went 1-for-10 with four walks (.357 OBP). Over Soto’s last 31 games, he is hitting .320/.474/.699 with 12 home runs and 29 walks, earning him NL Player of the Month honors for June!
3. Devin Williams. Williams last pitched on July 2, where he allowed two runs and got tagged for the loss in an 11-9 game vs. the Blue Jays. He has had an up-and-down season so far, but is coming off a tremendous month of June where he allowed only one run over 9 2/3 innings while striking out 12 batters. He pitched two scoreless innings against the Mets earlier this year, which was his first time facing the Mets since Alonso hit a go-ahead home run against him in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series.

Let’s go Mets!

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The New York Yankees (48-39) are trending in the wrong direction after getting swept over a four-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays. They have now fallen out of first place in the American League East. Neither team is playing anywhere near their best brand of baseball at the moment. It should make for a fascinating encounter.

Let’s take a look at some notes ahead of the three pitching matchups this weekend.

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

PITCHING MATCHUPS

• Friday: Marcus Stroman (1-1, 8.16 ERA) vs. Justin Hagenman (0-0, 1.50 ERA): Stroman will make his second start since coming off the injured list. His first start went very well, as he threw five innings and allowed one run on three hits against the Athletics last Sunday. Stroman has pitched in this rivalry before, but not as a Yankee. He is 7-8 with a career 3.43 ERA at Citi Field. The Mets have been forced to adjust on the fly due to injuries on the pitching staff. Hagenman will fill in for Paul Blackburn, who was placed on the IL with a right shoulder impingement. Not good. Hagenman has pitched well when called upon at the big league level, though, and he threw 2 2/3 innings scoreless innings in his last MLB appearance against the Atlanta Braves on June 19.
• Saturday: Carlos Rodón (9-5, 2.95 ERA) vs. Frankie Montas (0-1, 6.00 ERA): After a strong month of May, Rodón had an up-and-down June with a 2-2 record and 3.71 ERA over six starts. Both of those losses came against the Boston Red Sox, who were able to tag him for eight runs across 10 innings. Rodón has been excellent on the road this season, going 4-2 with a 2.67 ERA. Montas has had two big league starts as a Met. One was great, the other could not have gone worse. He allowed six runs in four innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates last Sunday, with five of them coming in the first inning. Montas reportedly has been tipping pitches, so an adjustment is coming. Montas is 2-1 with a 1.89 ERA in four career appearances against the Yankees, his former team.
• Sunday: Max Fried (10-2, 2.13 ERA) vs. Brandon Waddell (0-0, 2.55 ERA): Fried has been everything the Yankees could have hoped for when they signed him, especially with Gerrit Cole out for the season. Fried is coming off a start in which he gave up four runs over six innings against the Blue Jays on Tuesday. Home runs have started to hurt him more lately, as he’s given up six over his last seven outings. The former Brave is 4-3 with a 2.57 ERA in 14 career appearances at Citi Field. The Mets could go in a few directions with their Sunday starter, but Waddell is the likeliest option. He has only thrown more than four innings once since the beginning of June in both Triple-A and the big leagues. There had been some rumblings that Brandon Sproat is in consideration to make his MLB debut against the Yankees as well. He is coming off a strong start for Triple-A Syracuse, throwing six scoreless innings last Saturday, though Waddell seems to be getting the nod.

WHAT’S THE STORY?

When the Mets went to Yankee Stadium in May, all of the attention was on Juan Soto and his return to the Bronx. He proceeded to go 1-for-10 with four walks, three strikeouts and no extra base hits. He did not have a good series, and as a result, there was a lot of noise questioning his happiness and comfort level as a Met. To that point, Soto had moments of brilliance but no more than that. That has changed.

In 41 games since facing the Yankees, Soto is slashing .277/.416/.567 with 12 home runs and 28 RBIs. He was just named the National League Player of the Month for June, hitting an outstanding .322 with a 1.196 OPS across 27 contests. The Mets had a bad month as a team, but Soto was absolutely sensational. The player the Yankees faced a month-and-a-half ago is not the same one they will match up with this weekend.

PREDICTION

This is a difficult series to call. The Mets come into it feeling better about themselves after their series against the Brewers. On the other hand, the Yankees probably have the edge regarding starting pitching, but they just lost four games in a row to a division rival. It will be tight, but I think the Mets can grab a win against Rodón or Fried. Not much separates these two at the moment, but I have the Mets taking two of three.

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The Mets dropped the first Subway Series of the year, losing two out of three to the Yankees in the Bronx.

There wasn’t a whole lot to get excited about this weekend, either. Sure, the bullpen was absolutely money in the second game of the series. That win also featured some clutch baserunning too.

But, aside from the highs of Saturday’s win, the Mets had to endure a whole lot of crushing lows against their crosstown rivals at Yankee Stadium. Sunday night was a particularly tough pill to swallow.

And, on that note, let’s dive into another edition of 3 Up, 3 Down…

David Peterson (23) – Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

3 UP

DOING HIS PART

The Mets have only themselves to blame after losing Sunday’s finale to drop the Subway Series to the Yankees. They lost because of self-enforced errors. However, one positive to emerge from Sunday was David Peterson‘s strong outing. The lefty delivered six strong innings, allowing just two runs – one earned – on three hits and four walks with four strikeouts. Peterson went toe-to-toe with Yankees ace Max Fried, and more than did his job. It was just a shame Peterson’s efforts couldn’t be backed up by a better overall team effort.

SHUTTING THE DOOR

In what was a close game, the Mets needed their bullpen to deliver on Saturday. And boy did they do just that. Three relievers combined to allow just one hit over the final 3.2 innings of the game. The highlight was Huascar Brazobán working out of a jam in the sixth inning to help set his team up to go and claim victory. Brazobán now owns a stellar 0.98 ERA on the year, while not allowing an earned run in 17 of his 20 appearances this season. Another highlight was Edwin Díaz striking out superstar slugger Aaron Judge with the game on the line in the ninth inning.

Díaz’s ability to rise to the occasion and come out on top in an eight-pitch battle against one of the best power hitters in the game was just pure cinema. It was also a welcome reminder of just how dominant a shutdown closer Díaz can be. Overall, a masterful performance from the bullpen was mostly responsible for what was a thrilling win on Saturday.

HIGH IQ

The Mets displayed a lot of aggression and a lot of smarts on the basepaths on Saturday. Arguably the biggest moment of the game came in the fourth inning when Juan Soto stole third, before scoring on Mark Vientos‘ sac fly. That run gave the Mets the lead, and it arguably changed the entire tenor of the game. Luisangel Acuña would score on another sac fly in the ninth, which proved to be the go-ahead run. In a game that was light on offense, it was the little things that helped the Mets scratch out what was a big win in the moment.

Juan Soto (22) Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

3 DOWN

SOTO STRUGGLES

All the hype leading up to the Subway Series revolved around Juan Soto’s return to the Bronx. Heck, some even labeled it ‘The Soto Series.’ Well, Yankee fans will certainly be pleased with how the weekend unfolded. For Soto and the Mets? Not so much. The superstar hitter did not enjoy a memorable return to Yankee Stadium. He struggled for the most part, going a combined 1-for-10 with four walks and three strikeouts. Furthermore, he went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in the finale while also contributing to a nightmare eighth inning with a poor throw.

FATAL ERRORS

Concerns over the Mets’ defense is hardly new. We mentioned it in the last edition of 3 Up, 3 Down. However, the biggest negative about this team so far this year took on a life of its own over the weekend. Defensive errors doomed the Mets in both of the losses against the Yankees. Pete Alonso committed the biggest error of the entire weekend on Sunday, airmailing a throw to the plate that helped to spark a six-run inning for the Yankees. Mark Vientos also committed a costly error in the finale, while Francisco Lindor was charged with an error in the opener. Alonso’s error effectively handed the game – and the series – to the Yanks. However, Vientos’ continuing defensive struggles at the hot corner are more of a long-term concern. Overall, the Mets need to improve their infield defense fast, or else they risk losing more big series.

NOT GETTING IT DONE

In the two losses in the Subway Series, the Mets went 3-for-18 with runners in scoring position, leaving 14 runners stranded on base. They also went 1-for-7 with RISP on Saturday, leaving eight runners on base. If it wasn’t for the bullpen coming through in the clutch, New York may have lost the second game of the series, too, because of a lack of offense. All in all, the lineup didn’t deliver in the Bronx. Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto and Pete Alonso went a combined 0-for-12 in the finale. You aren’t going to win many games when your three best hitters go that cold. The offense has struggled lately, and we’ve yet to see this lineup reach its full potential. The issue with runners in scoring positions must also be fixed as soon as possible.

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The Mets (28-17) fell 6-2 to the Yankees (26-18) on Friday in the first game of the Subway Series. The offense was mostly flat in the game while Juan Soto, in his return to Yankee Stadium, drew three walks and went 0-for-2.

Tylor Megill struggled mightily, allowing four runs in just 2 2/3 innings. He allowed four hits and walked five as he saw his ERA on the season rise to 3.74.

In his career, Megill has a 2.45 ERA in March and April and a 6.41 ERA in May and June. At the end of April this year, Megill had just a 1.74 ERA in six starts, but he has now allowed eight runs in 9 2/3 innings in his first two starts in May. Megill will need to return to his April form if he wants to strick around this year, with Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas set to join the rotation this summer.

Game 2 of the three-game set against the Yankees will be played at 1:05 p.m. ET Saturday.

By Roberto Carlo

Latest Mets News

The Mets’ streak of staying in sync with the Knicks during the Eastern Conference Semifinals snapped on Friday. Prior to that, the Mets had won whenever the Knicks defeated the Celtics and lost whenever they lost for five straight games. On Friday, the Mets lost while the Knicks won to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Mets minor leaguers Jon Singleton and Anthony Gose triggered assignment clauses in their minor league contracts, per MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo. They can gauge interest from other MLB teams, and the Mets would have to either call them up or trade them if there is a match.

The Mets announced that Mets House N.Y.C., the pop-up experience at Union Square, will now be open through the end of June.

Latest MLB News

The Phillies placed pitcher Aaron Nola on the 15-day injured list with a right ankle sprain. Nola, who has been consistently great for the Phillies since 2015, has been awful this year and is 1-7 with a 6.16 ERA. Nola allowed four runs in 6 1/3 innings against the Mets earlier this year.

The Red Sox released their latest City Connect jerseys, which pay homage to their iconic and historic Fenway Park.

Latest on MMO

Brian Wright lists the greatest moments in Subway Series history.

Gabe Herz discusses the key role played by Huascar Brazobán in the Mets’ bullpen.

On This Date in Mets History

Born on This Date: Ben Gamel (1992), Dick Smith (1939).

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Those were the words of Juan Soto in an interview with the New York Post’s Jon Heyman prior to the start of the 2025 edition of the Subway Series, which officially kicked off on Friday night. In front of a sold-out crowd, Soto made his return to Yankee Stadium for the first time since signing with the Mets (28-17) this past offseason.

By Roberto Carlo

As anticipated, with one out in the top of the first, Soto made his way to the plate to face the Yankees’ (26-18) ace in Carlos Rodón (4-3, 3.17 ERA). He was greeted with boos as his name was announced, though he had some fun with the entire ordeal by tipping his helmet.

Soto finished 0-for-2 with three walks and represented one of the Mets’ two runs scored in their 6-2 loss, as he was driven in on an RBI single by Brandon Nimmo in the fourth.

The Mets couldn’t get much going all night long. They attempted to get some offense cooking in the ninth, but failed to make a comeback. The club’s struggles with runners in scoring position continued, as they were 2-for-11 in those spots and left nine on base.

The Mets had Tylor Megill (3-3, 3.74 ERA) on the mound, but it was a rough outing for him. He gave up four earned runs on four hits and five walks, making it through just 2 2/3 innings before being pulled. Megill allowed four free passes in the third inning alone and helped the Yankees gain an early lead.

With the bases loaded in the bottom of the third, Paul Goldschmidt singled to shortstop to score two as Francisco Lindor committed a throwing error. After a walk to Jasson Domínguez, Anthony Volpe made it 3-0 on a sacrifice fly to Soto. Megill then walked the next two batters, leading to the Yankees’ fourth run of the game.

Manager Carlos Mendoza had seen enough. He then turned to Max Kranick, who also got roughed up by the Yankees. After he worked his way out of the third, they continued to pour it on with two more runs in the fourth.

Kranick, in total, gave up those two earned runs on three hits and struck out one.

After Yerry De los Santos walked Francisco Alvarez and Jeff McNeil to put runners on first and second in the ninth, Lindor doubled to left field and made it a 6-2 game.

That brought up Soto for his fifth at-bat of the day. Facing closer Luke Weaver, he flied out to center field as the Yankees put the finishing touches on their win.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Nimmo was the Mets’ top performer on the night, as he went 2-for-4 with an RBI.

STAT OF THE GAME

Friday marked the 123rd Subway Series game. The Yankees, with their win, now hold a 72-51 all-time series lead. The Mets won all four of the matchups between the two teams in 2024 and will look to even the season set on Saturday.

ON DECK

The Mets will have Griffin Canning (5-1, 2.36 ERA) on the mound on Saturday, who will face Clarke Schmidt (1-1, 4.73 ERA) for the Yankees. First pitch is set for 1:05 PM ET.

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There’s nothing like New York when both the Mets and the Yankees are playing well.

Tonight, the first place Mets will travel to the Bronx to take on the first place Yankees. The city has been blessed with successful seasons from both clubs over the last two years thus far. Several prominent Yankees came over to the Mets before the 2024 season (Carlos Mendoza, Luis Severino, Harrison Bader), adding to the rivalry between the two teams.

Then Juan Soto, a key piece of the 2024 Yankees, signed a 15-year contract with the Mets. Tonight, the two sides will begin a new chapter in their storied rivalry, fueled by a superstar who chose to play in Queens.

Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Mets Lineup

1. Francisco Lindor – SS
2. Juan Soto – RF
3. Pete Alonso – 1B
4. Mark Vientos – 3B
5. Brandon Nimmo – LF
6. Starling Marte – DH
7. Francisco Alvarez – C
8. Luisangel Acuña – 2B
9. Tyrone Taylor – CF

Tylor Megill has pitched 40 2/3 innings over eight starts with a 3.10 ERA, 2.97 FIP, 1.254 WHIP and a 126 ERA+. He has hit a rough patch though, allowing 11 runs over his last three starts (6.19 ERA, 4.09 FIP). He’s still striking out players at a high rate with 22 over his last 16 innings, but he’s allowed three home runs over that stretch as well. The spike in his homer rate is coming at a bad time for a start at Yankee Stadium.

The Yankees have the following career numbers against Megill:

• Cody Bellinger 1-2, 2 BB, K
• Paul Goldschmidt 1-5, 2B
• Trent Grisham 0-2, BB
• Aaron Judge 0-3, K
• DJ LeMahieu 0-2, BB, K

Opposing Lineup

1. Trent Grisham – CF
2. Aaron Judge – RF
3. Cody Bellinger – LF
4. Paul Goldschmidt – 1B
5. Jasson Domínguez – DH
6. Anthony Volpe – SS
7. Austin Wells – C
8. Oswald Peraza – 3B
9. Jorbit Vivas – 2B

Carlos Rodón is making his major league-leading 10th start tonight. Over 54 2/3 innings, he has a 3.29 ERA, 3.64 FIP, 0.970 WHIP and a 122 ERA+. Rodón is having a very Rodón season – he’s either brilliant or he’s not, with very few starts that are just average. He’s allowed four runs or more in four of ten outings this season, including his last one. He’s also allowed eight home runs so far this season, good for a 1.3 HR/9 rate, which is actually his best as a member of the Yankees.

The Mets have the following career numbers against him:

• Pete Alonso 1-5, 2 K
• Francisco Alvarez 1-2
• José Azócar 1-6
• Francisco Lindor 10-35, 3 2B, 2 HR, 4 BB, 4 K
• Starling Marte 1-5, K
• Jeff McNeil 0-2
• Brandon Nimmo 1-4, BB, 2 K
• Juan Soto 0-2, BB
• Tyrone Taylor 2-2, HR
• Luis Torrens 1-3, HR, 2 K
• Mark Vientos 1-3, K

Game Notes

• Mendoza told reporters that right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas was scheduled to throw a live batting practice session in Brooklyn today, and that he’ll do so a few more times before starting a rehab assignment. He has not pitched in a game this season after sustaining a lat injury at the beginning of spring training.
• Mendoza believes Soto is well-equipped to deal with the hostile environment that Yankee Stadium will provide throughout the course of the weekend. “If somebody’s able to handle it, it’s Juan Soto,” he said.

Three Things To Watch For

1. Juan Soto. This is the Soto series. How will Yankee fans react when Soto comes up in the top of the first? How will Soto react? Players often come in amped when facing their old squad. Soto is such a big star, though, that he will bring out that behavior in the Yankees players too.
2. Do the Mets take advantage of Yankee Stadium? The Mets are coming off a 4-2 homestand where they didn’t have too much offense over their last three games against the Pittsburgh Pirates. A short Yankee Stadium porch can fix all power woes – will the Mets’ big sluggers tee off tonight against Rodón and crew?
3. Containing Trent Grisham. Grisham is having a breakout year in his seventh major league season. He is slashing .283/.367/.628 with a 177 OPS+. The big difference this season for Grisham is the power, as he’s hit 12 home runs, including four over his last eight games.

Let’s go Mets!

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