Subway Series Thrills: Yankees Secure 6-2 Victory Over Mets2025
When the New York Yankees and New York Mets faced off in the first game of the 2025 Subway Series at Yankee Stadium on Friday, May 16, 2025, the atmosphere in the Bronx was electrifying. Driven by borough pride, fervent fan bases, and the return of a certain superstar to his old home, this was not just another MLB game; it was a high-stakes matchup between two first-place teams. With a decisive 6-2 victory, the Yankees established the tone for an exciting Rivalry Weekend. Let’s examine the excitement, tension, and pivotal moments that subway contributed to this game becoming a legendary chapter in the Yankees-Mets rivalry.
Timberwolves Dominate
A Stage Set for Drama
Even though the Subway Series is always a spectacle, this year’s edition was particularly significant. With the Yankees leading the American League East with a 25-18 record and the Mets dominating the National League East with a 28-16 record, both teams went into the weekend at the top of their respective divisions. The two New York clubs faced off while both were in first place for just the third time in history, which gave the game a postseason feel.
The return of Juan Soto to Yankee Stadium was the storyline that dominated the headlines. Despite only having been a Yankee for 329 days in 2024, Soto played a crucial role in their postseason run, which included a memorable home run in Game 5 of the ALCS that helped them win the World Series. However, the 26-year-old outfielder subway chose Queens over the Bronx this offseason and made a historic choice by agreeing to a 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets. Still hurting from his departure, Yankees supporters were prepared to let him hear it.
The Game: Yankees Strike Early, Hold Firm
Tylor Megill (3-3) of the Mets and Carlos Rodón (4-3, 3.29 ERA) of the Yankees took the mound as the game began at 7:05 p.m. Rodón was tasked with slowing down a strong Mets lineup that included Soto, Francisco Lindor, and Pete Alonso. Rodón had just recorded a 10-strikeout gem against the Athletics. In the meantime, Megill was trying to bounce back from a poor performance in which he gave up four earned runs against the Cubs.
A Third-Inning Explosion
The Yankees quickly established their supremacy. They scored four runs in the bottom of the third, forcing Megill to leave the game after just 2.2 innings. Aaron Judge and Paul Goldschmidt each had two hits, but Cody Bellinger led the charge with three hits on the evening, going 3-for-4. The Yankees took advantage of Megill’s difficulties to establish an unstoppable lead in the inning, which was a masterclass in timely hitting. Megill’s final line was brutal: 72 pitches, 2.2 innings, 4 runs, 4 hits, 5 walks, and 4 strikeouts.
The Mets’ offence found it difficult to react against Rodón, who was locked in, and their defence subway was unable to stop the bleeding. In order to keep the Mets hitters off balance, the left-hander relied on his fastball-slider combination and had excellent command.
Soto’s Return: Boos and Walks
When Juan Soto took the field in the first inning, everyone’s eyes were on him. Fans who once subway applauded his every swing gave him a raw expression of betrayal when they greeted him with a thunderous chorus of boos at Yankee Stadium. With his characteristic swagger, Soto, ever the showman, tipped his cap to the audience and embraced the villain role.
Soto went 0-for-2 at the plate but drew three walks, drove in a base-loaded free pass, and scored one run. His methodical approach made the Yankees pitchers work hard, but the dearth of hits stifled subway any hopes of a victorious return story. Soto’s final out at the end of the game was a fitting capstone for Yankees supporters celebrating the team’s 6-2 victory.
Yankees Seal the Deal
Later in the game, the Yankees added two more runs thanks to contributions from their deep lineup. The Mets were unable to mount a late comeback thanks to Luke Weaver’s save in the ninth inning. The final score: Mets 5 hits, Yankees 8. The Yankees played well and the Mets struggled, as evidenced by New York’s 4-run third inning and 2-for-11 showing with runners in scoring position. Megill lost, falling to 3-4, while Rodón subway deserved the victory. The Yankees won their first Subway Series since 2023, ending their 0–4 run against the Mets from 2024.
Key Moments and Standouts
- Cody Bellinger’s Big Night: Bellinger’s three hits were a spark for the Yankees’ offense, showcasing why he’s a cornerstone of their lineup. His ability to find gaps and drive in runs set the tone.
- Aaron Judge’s Presence: The reigning AL MVP went 2-for-4, continuing his torrid 2025 campaign. Judge’s 15th homer of the season came earlier in the week against the Mariners, and his steady production subway remains the Yankees’ backbone.
- Mets’ Missed Opportunities: The Mets left 9 runners on base and went 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position. Lindor and Brandon Nimmo contributed hits, but the lineup couldn’t string together enough to challenge the Yankees’ lead.
- The Soto Factor: Beyond the boos, Soto’s three walks highlighted his elite plate discipline. Yet, his 0-for-2 night and final out underscored the Mets’ struggles to capitalize.
The Bigger Picture: Rivalry and Redemption
This game was a statement rather than just a win. After last year’s sweep, it was a chance for the Yankees to make amends and regain control of the rivalry. The Mets lost the chance to spoil Soto’s homecoming and keep their recent series lead. The Yankees improved to 26-18, while the Mets lost to 28-17, ending a three-game winning streak.
There has always been more to the Subway Series than just baseball. It’s about barbershop arguments, borough pride, and families split along blue and orange or pinstripe lines. The rivalry feels as strong as ever subway this weekend, with both teams in first place and Soto’s comeback igniting the flames.
What’s Next?
Max Fried (6-0, 1.11 ERA) will face David Peterson in the series’ main event on Sunday after Clarke Schmidt and Griffin Canning square off at 1:05 p.m. on Saturday. With two or fewer runs allowed in each of his nine starts, Fried, the Yankees’ $218 million ace, has been invincible. For the Mets to avoid dropping further in the series, their bats will need to wake up.
Fans can watch the action live at Yankee Stadium, watch it for free on MLB.TV, or attend the World Trade Center’s watch parties, where Mr. and Mrs. Met will appear and giveaways like Francisco Lindor and Aaron Judge T-shirts will be given away.
A Rivalry That Never Disappoints
The game on Friday served as a reminder of why New York is so enthralled with the Subway Series. Every moment was intense, from the Yankees’ onslaught in the third inning to the jeers directed at Soto. subway Expect more drama, passion, and memorable moments in this age-old rivalry as the weekend progresses. The Yankees can boast for the time being, but the Mets have two more games to change the tide. There’s no denying that the Subway Series is the baseball heartbeat of New York, and it’s booming louder than ever.
