The New York Mets delivered a masterclass in dominance Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium, clinching their first Subway Series sweep of the New York Yankees since 2013 with an emphatic 12-3 victory. This triumph capped off an impressive stretch where the Mets outplayed their crosstown rivals across four games, outscoring the Yankees 36-14 in the process.
A Historic Sweep
After securing two wins at Citi Field on June 25 and 26, the Mets returned to Yankee Stadium with a narrow 3-2 victory on Tuesday, followed by Wednesday's comprehensive win. This performance marks only the fifth time the Mets have won the interleague Subway Series, contrasting starkly with the Yankees' historical dominance, having claimed victory in ten of the 28 series played to date. Thirteen series have ended in a split.
Power Display
The Mets showcased their power-hitting prowess in Wednesday’s game, launching five home runs, with three off Yankees ace Gerrit Cole. Francisco Lindor was a standout performer, hitting two home runs in the contest to bring his season tally to 21. The offensive onslaught left Cole reeling, pushing his ERA for the season to a troubling 5.40. Cole’s struggles could be traced back to a spring elbow injury that caused a delayed season debut, leaving him searching for form since returning on June 19.
Soto Shines for Yankees
Despite the Yankees' disappointing performance, Juan Soto provided a silver lining with an impressive 2-for-3 showing, including a home run, a double, and a walk. However, his efforts were not enough to lift the Yankees past the surging Mets.
Mets on a Roll
The Mets’ resurgence has been nothing short of remarkable. Sitting at 53-48, they find themselves five games over .500 for the first time this year. This is a stark turnaround from June 2, when they were 11 games under .500. Since then, the Mets have compiled a stellar 29-13 record, propelling them into the second wild-card position in the National League and just 1½ games behind the second-place Braves in the NL East.
Yankees' July Woes
Conversely, the Yankees faltered in July, posting a 6-12 record for the month. Despite these struggles, they remain in playoff contention and continue to battle for position in the tightly contested American League East, where they are within striking distance of the division-leading Orioles.
As the Mets bask in the glow of their Subway Series triumph, they also keep their eyes firmly on the postseason, buoyed by their recent surge in form. For the Yankees, the challenge will be to regain their footing and make a strong push as the season progresses. The narrative of New York baseball continues to be compelling, with both teams providing ample drama for their passionate fan bases.