In a thrilling Subway Series opener, the New York Yankees orchestrated an impressive comeback to defeat the struggling New York Mets 7-6. Max Scherzer, the Mets’ pitcher, faced a fierce rally from the Yankees as they overcame a four-run deficit. The game was filled with remarkable moments, making it an exhilarating experience for the players and the fans.
Yankees Manager Aaron Boone on the Exciting Match
“One of those fun ones,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone described the game. He acknowledged the electric atmosphere surrounding the Mets-Yankees rivalry and emphasized the palpable energy in the stadium. Boone expressed his delight at the multitude of incredible moments in the game, highlighting that everyone contributed to the victory. Such games are delightful and memorable.
Scherzer Faces a Strong Yankees Lineup
Giancarlo Stanton and DJ LeMahieu demonstrated their hitting prowess by homering off Scherzer, narrowing the gap between the two teams. Additionally, pinch-hitter Josh Donaldson played a crucial role in breaking the tie with a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning. The pivotal moment came after Brandon Nimmo’s misplay in center field, allowing the Yankees to seize the lead.
Smith Ejected for Illegal Substance
During the game, the umpires ejected Mets pitcher Drew Smith for using an illegal foreign substance. This marked the second ejection of a Mets pitcher this season for such an offense. Smith expressed surprise at the decision, claiming that he had kept his routine the same throughout the year. He insisted that his hands were only moist due to sweat and rosin. The arbitrary nature of the process left him perplexed.
Mets Struggle to Maintain Lead
The Mets, who have lost nine of their last ten games, initially gained a 5-1 advantage in the third inning. They capitalized on struggling Yankees starter Luis Severino‘s two balks in the second inning. However, Scherzer faltered in the fourth, allowing the Yankees to score five runs on six hits. The three-time Cy Young Award winner faced boos from the sellout crowd 43,707, as he could not maintain the lead.
Yankees Stage an Impressive Rally
DJ LeMahieu’s two-run homer narrowed the Mets’ lead to 5-3, signaling the Yankees’ determination to turn the tide. Despite being in a slump, Anthony Volpe contributed with an RBI double. Jake Bauers’ two-run bloop single over the drawn-in infield proved to be the turning point, as it forced Scherzer out of the game and secured a 6-5 lead for the Yankees. LeMahieu credited the team’s success to capitalize on the good pitches they received.
Holmes Delivers Under Pressure
In the eighth inning, the Mets loaded the bases with just one out, threatening to reclaim the lead. However, Yankees reliever Nick Holmes stepped up to the challenge. In intense at-bats, he struck out cleanup batter Francisco Lindor and Starling Marte, skillfully preserving the Yankees’ narrow one-run advantage. Holmes displayed excellent execution and played a crucial role in securing the victory.
Yankees Relievers Excel
Ron Marinaccio pitched a scoreless inning to earn the win, while Michael King closed out the game with a flawless ninth inning to record his fourth save of the season. The Yankees’ bullpen has been outstanding, leading the majors in ERA with an impressive 2.72. In this game, they showcased their exceptional skills by deploying six pitchers from the bullpen, delivering scoreless performances. Their ability to maintain momentum and shut down the opposition was instrumental in the team’s success.
Mets’ Efforts Fall Short
The Mets fought valiantly throughout the game but could not secure the victory. Outfielder Brandon Nimmo started the game with a leadoff homer, his eighth career leadoff home run. Jeff McNeil’s two-run single added to the Mets’ early lead. However, they couldn’t sustain their advantage as the Yankees mounted their comeback. Luis Guillorme’s RBI single in the fifth inning tied the game, but the Mets couldn’t push ahead.
Smith’s Sticky Situation
Drew Smith’s ejection from using a sticky foreign substance was a significant setback for the Mets. As he entered the game, the umpires halted him on the infield for a routine check. Smith found himself surrounded by teammates and Mets manager Buck Showalter. Despite Smith’s attempts to plead his case, first base umpire Bill Miller, the crew chief, ultimately ejected him. Smith’s sticky hand, which also affected his glove hand, violated the rules regarding foreign substances. The stickiness was evident when Miller touched Smith’s hand, leading to the ejection. The loss of Smith, who may face a 10-game suspension, poses a challenge for the already thin and unreliable Mets bullpen.
Scherzer’s Suspension and Claim
The boos from the Mets fans marred Max Scherzer’s performance in this game. Earlier in the season, Scherzer had served a 10-game suspension after being ejected for having a sticky foreign substance on his hand during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Scherzer vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the substance was a combination of sweat and rosin, which are permissible. However, the fans’ reaction to his presence on the mound indicated that there may still be lingering doubts regarding his actions.
The Subway Series opener between the Mets and Yankees showcased the intense rivalry between the two New York teams. The Yankees’ impressive comeback victory provided an exhilarating experience for both the players and the fans. While the Mets displayed moments of brilliance, their struggles to maintain the lead ultimately cost them the game. The ejection of Drew Smith further compounded their challenges, leaving their bullpen vulnerable. As for Max Scherzer, the boos from the crowd served as a reminder of the controversy surrounding his previous suspension. The Subway Series continues, promising more thrilling encounters between these storied franchises.