Jeff McNeil delivered the decisive blow in a back-and-forth Subway Series clash Friday afternoon, launching a go-ahead two-run home run in the sixth inning to lift the Mets (51-38) over the Yankees (48-40), 6-5, at Citi Field.
With the Mets trailing by one and Pete Alonso on base, McNeil worked a full count before turning on a low changeup from Yankees reliever Luke Weaver, sending it 398 feet into the second deck. The Mets never relinquished the lead after that.
The Yankees opened the game with fireworks, as Jasson DomÃnguez and Aaron Judge hit back-to-back homers to start the first. Cody Bellinger and DomÃnguez later added solo shots, giving the Yankees four home runs on the day.
But the Mets answered quickly. Juan Soto crushed a two-run homer in the first, tied the game with a double in the third, and finished 3-for-4, a triple shy of the cycle, in his best performance yet against his former team. Alonso’s RBI single gave the Mets a brief third-inning lead before the Yankees pulled back ahead.
Mets rookie starter Justin Hagenman rebounded after a rough first, giving up four runs over 4 1/3 innings in his debut. Brett Baty’s solo homer in the sixth cut the deficit to one, setting the stage for McNeil’s clutch swing.
Reed Garrett secured a six-out save, helped by McNeil’s diving stop in the ninth to rob DJ LeMahieu of a hit
Game 2 of the three-game series is set for Saturday at 4:10 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].