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The Mets were beaten 6-4 by the Yankees on Friday night in an emotional Subway Series matchup that carried significance far beyond the final score. On a day filled with tributes to the victims and heroes of Sept. 11, Cody Bellinger delivered a three-run homer, while New York’s pitching staff held off a late Mets rally.
The Yankees improved to 85-62 with their fourth consecutive victory. They remained three games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East and strengthened their position in the playoff race. The Mets, meanwhile, were left to regroup after falling short in a game defined by powerful memories, strong performances and late drama.
Mets Face Emotional Loss in Powerful Subway Series
Everywhere inside Yankee Stadium, the significance of Sept. 11 was visible. First responder caps rested on locker shelves, and a memorial wreath was carried into Monument Park by Aaron Boone, Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole during the afternoon ceremony.
Several members of the Yankees’ 2001 team returned to share memories of a season when baseball helped New York and the country begin to heal. The pregame tribute brought together former players, first responders and families connected to the tragedy.
Bellinger had a particularly personal connection to the occasion. His father, Clay Bellinger, played for the 2001 Yankees and later became a firefighter in Gilbert, Ariz. Clay was with the team when it visited Ground Zero after the attacks.
“It’s a special day,” Cody Bellinger said. “Today was a day where it felt bigger than the game, bigger than yourself. It’s a day to be grateful, for sure.”
Explosive Home Runs Power Yankees Past Mets
Bellinger gave the Yankees an early advantage in the second inning when he launched his 14th home run of the season against Mets rookie Nolan McLean. It was the first major league homer McLean had surrendered on a curveball.
The moment became even more meaningful because Bellinger wore an FDNY cap and took part in the ceremonial first pitch. He caught a pitch from Brielle Saracini, whose father, Victor Saracini, was the captain of United Flight 175, which was flown into the South Tower of the World Trade Center.
Ben Rice added another memorable swing later in the game. Using a custom Louisville Slugger bat featuring the FDNY logo, Rice hit his team-leading 37th homer. His blast helped the Yankees maintain control after the Mets had created early pressure.
- Cody Bellinger hit a three-run homer in the second inning.
- Ben Rice followed with his 37th home run of the season.
- Luis García Jr. recorded three hits for New York.
- The Yankees collected their fourth straight win.
Rodón Delivers Critical Start as Bullpen Survives
Carlos Rodón handled the difficult assignment with composure. The left-hander allowed two runs, only one of them earned, over 6 1/3 innings. He gave up three hits, walked one batter and struck out eight.
Rodón’s fastball, changeup and slider were particularly effective, according to Boone, who praised the pitcher’s efficiency and overall command. The outing was Rodón’s longest of the season and gave the Yankees a valuable lift in a high-pressure game.
The Mets chipped away in the seventh inning. Christopher Morel produced a run-scoring groundout against Rodón, and A.J. Ewing later delivered an RBI single against Paul Blackburn. However, the Mets could not turn their opportunity into a defining rally.
Brent Headrick made one of the game’s most important defensive plays when he caught Francisco Lindor’s two-out line drive with the bases loaded. The ball appeared destined for center field, but Headrick’s grab prevented the Mets from taking control of the inning.
David Bednar then worked through a tense five-out save. He escaped a bases-loaded, one-out situation in the eighth by allowing only a Marcus Semien sacrifice fly. Ewing hit a ninth-inning homer, but Bednar recovered by getting Juan Soto to ground into a game-ending double play.
What the Result Means for New York
The Yankees’ victory keeps their postseason hopes firmly in focus. They moved 5 1/2 games ahead of the Boston Red Sox for the first American League Wild Card position while continuing to chase Tampa Bay in the division standings.
For the Mets, the defeat was frustrating because the team showed enough late energy to make the game competitive. Still, the Yankees’ timely hitting and late defensive execution proved decisive. The Subway Series continues through the weekend, giving the Mets an immediate chance to respond.
Beyond the standings, the evening reminded both teams and their fans why baseball can carry such emotional weight. The ceremony connected generations of New Yorkers, while the game itself provided a dramatic setting for remembrance, pride and competition.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Mets
What was the final score between the Mets and Yankees?
The Yankees defeated the Mets, 6-4, in Friday night’s Subway Series game.
Who hit the key home run for the Yankees?
Cody Bellinger hit a three-run homer in the second inning, and Ben Rice added his 37th home run of the season.
How did Carlos Rodón perform?
Rodón allowed two runs, one earned, across 6 1/3 innings. He struck out eight and allowed only three hits.
What was the significance of the pregame ceremony?
The Yankees honored the victims, survivors and first responders connected to the Sept. 11 attacks. Several members of the 2001 Yankees also took part in the tribute.
