The New York Yankees improved to 28-17 on the season with a 5-2 victory over the New York Mets on Friday night at Citi Field, snapping the Mets’ three-game win streak. The loss dropped the Mets to 18-26 as rookie right-hander Cam Schlittler once again dominated on the mound.
Schlittler continued his remarkable start to the season, allowing just one run on two hits across 6.2 innings while striking out nine. The only damage against him came on Juan Soto’s solo homer in the seventh inning, the 250th home run of Soto’s career and just the second homer Schlittler has surrendered all season.
The Yankees broke through in the third inning against Clay Holmes, who struggled with command throughout his shortest outing of the season. Ben Rice, Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. recorded four straight hits as New York built a 3-0 advantage. Bellinger lined a go-ahead RBI double down the right-field line before Chisholm followed with a two-run double.
Holmes allowed four runs on seven hits over 4.1 innings while throwing 95 pitches. His night became more difficult after being struck on the foot by a line drive from Spencer Jones in the fourth inning.
The Mets threatened in the seventh after Soto’s homer cut the deficit to 4-1, putting two runners aboard with rookie A.J. Ewing at the plate. Fernando Cruz escaped the jam by retiring Ewing on a fly ball to right field.
Rice added insurance in the ninth with his 14th homer of the season off Craig Kimbrel.
The Subway Series continues Saturday at Citi Field with first pitch scheduled for 7:15 p.m. The Mets have yet to announce a starter, while the Yankees are expected to send Carlos RodĂłn to the mound.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.