In an electrifying atmosphere at Yankee Stadium on Friday night, Juan Soto predicted an intense showdown between two first-place clubs, estimating a crowd of 50,000. While he slightly miscalculated, as the actual attendance was 47,700, the only figure that truly mattered was the final score: Yankees 6, Mets 2. Soto returned to The Bronx amidst a chorus of deafening boos, yet he demonstrated resilience by walking three times throughout the game.
Despite the challenges posed by Soto's presence, the Yankees showcased their depth and talent. New additions Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt, who joined the Yankees after Soto opted for the Mets’ lucrative $765 million deal over their $760 million offer, were pivotal in the victory. The duo combined for five hits, three runs, and two RBIs, leading a patient and strategic offensive attack for the Yankees.
Aaron Judge, as expected, continued to be a force for the Yankees, going 2-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored, lifting his batting average to an impressive .414. “That was really fun to be a part of,” Bellinger remarked. He added, “It was loud, the stadium was full. Every Friday night at Yankee Stadium has been fun, but this one was especially energetic.”
Soto saw a staggering 29 pitches over his five plate appearances, reaching base three times but only managing to score once. In a tense moment during the top of the ninth, with two runners on base, the Yankees brought in Luke Weaver to face Soto. Ultimately, Soto flew out, ending the game on a sour note for the Mets.
During his first at-bat, Soto was met with an avalanche of boos, reminiscent of the reception typically reserved for notorious players like Jose Altuve. As he stood at the plate, Soto graciously acknowledged the crowd, donning a smile amidst the jeers. When he ventured into right field in the bottom of the first inning, many fans turned their backs to him, further emphasizing the charged atmosphere. Despite this, Soto attempted to engage with the fans, only to be met with chants of “F–k Juan Soto.”
Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the vibrant environment, stating, “It was a pretty great environment. You could really feel the energy in the building.” The crowd’s intensity was palpable, with chants of “We want Grisham” echoing through the stadium, a reversal from the previous year when Soto was on the bench while Trent Grisham was at bat. Despite the hostility, the Yankees secured their seventh win in nine games, marking a significant victory against their crosstown rivals.
Goldschmidt remarked on the importance of the win, saying, “We want to win as many games as we can against every opponent. Good win, and they’re a really good team. They’ve been playing great. It’ll be a good challenge in the coming days.”
The Yankees took an early 4-0 lead against Mets pitcher Tylor Megill in the bottom of the third inning, achieving this feat with only two balls leaving the infield. The scoring began with Jorbit Vivas leading off with a single to right field. Following a walk by Aaron Judge, Bellinger hustled for an infield single, and Goldschmidt added to the rally with a broken-bat infield single that allowed the Yankees to capitalize on a throwing error by the Mets.
After loading the bases, Anthony Volpe's sacrifice fly to shallow right field tested Soto's arm, but Bellinger managed to beat the throw home. Megill faced nine batters in that inning, throwing 39 pitches before being relieved by Max Kranick after walking Oswald Peraza to force in a fourth run.
The Mets managed to score one run in the top of the fourth, sparked by Soto, who came around to score on Brandon Nimmo’s hit down the left field line. However, that was all the Mets could muster against Carlos Rodón, who delivered a solid performance, pitching five innings and allowing just one run. “I was trying to get Soto to swing and miss every time,” Rodón stated, acknowledging the challenge Soto posed, as he walked him all three times during the game. “I wanted to get him. But he got me.”
This victory not only boosts the Yankees' confidence but also sets the tone for the remainder of the Subway Series, promising more thrilling baseball in the days to come.
