Jeff McNeil’s Late-Inning Heroics Power Mets Past Yankees in Dramatic Subway Series Opener
In a thrilling opening to the Subway Series, Jeff McNeil provided the spark the New York Mets needed, launching a crucial two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning that lifted his team to a dramatic 6-5 victory over the New York Yankees on Friday night at Citi Field. The win marked a much-needed morale boost for the Mets in a matchup between two New York franchises that had both experienced steep declines following strong starts to their seasons.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, packed with power hitting, high-leverage moments, and standout performances from both sides. McNeil’s game-changing home run came at a critical moment. With two outs in the seventh inning, Yankees reliever Luke Weaver entered the game and immediately ran into trouble. After issuing a walk to slugger Pete Alonso, Weaver left a changeup up in the zone, and McNeil didn’t miss. He crushed the pitch into the upper deck in right field, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and flipping a 5-4 Yankees lead into a 6-5 advantage for the Mets. That swing proved to be the deciding moment in a contest defined by big hits and shifting momentum.
Weaver, who took the loss and fell to 1-3 on the season, had been brought in to hold the lead, but McNeil’s clutch home run turned the tide. The Yankees, now riding a five-game losing streak, continue to slip in the American League East standings after once holding a commanding position atop the division. Their recent slump has raised concerns, particularly with the All-Star break looming.
On the offensive side for the Yankees, there were some encouraging signs despite the loss. Juan Soto, facing his former team, put together a standout performance. He tallied three hits, including a two-run homer, showcasing the power and consistency that made him one of baseball’s most coveted hitters. Additionally, Brett Baty added a solo home run in the sixth inning off Yankees reliever Ian Hamilton, cutting the Yankees’ lead to 5-4 at the time and setting the stage for McNeil’s late-game heroics.
The Yankees came out of the gates swinging, literally. Jasson Domínguez, who had been in a lengthy power drought, finally broke through. He hit two opposite-field home runs in the game, snapping a 32-game homerless streak and driving in three runs. Domínguez, known for his raw talent and potential, reminded fans of his upside with a performance that could spark confidence moving forward. In the very first inning, Domínguez and Aaron Judge hit back-to-back home runs, with Judge launching his 32nd homer of the season. Cody Bellinger also went deep for the Yankees, contributing to a power-packed offensive showing that, ultimately, fell just short.
Despite the Yankees’ offensive outburst, the Mets’ bullpen stepped up when it mattered most. Huascar Brazobán, now 4-2 on the season, delivered a scoreless and hitless seventh inning to keep the Yankees from extending their lead. Then Reed Garrett took over, pitching the final two innings to earn his third save of the season. Garrett was sharp, holding the Yankees at bay and getting key outs under pressure. His effort was bolstered by a highlight-reel defensive play from McNeil at second base in the ninth inning. Not content with just swinging the bat, McNeil made a diving stop to rob the Yankees of a potential hit, showcasing the all-around skills that make him a vital part of the Mets’ lineup.
The Mets’ victory gives them early bragging rights in the Subway Series and offers a measure of optimism as they try to stabilize their season. For a team that has experienced its own struggles in 2025, the win over their crosstown rivals could serve as a turning point. It also put on display the kind of resilience the Mets will need to stay competitive in a tightly contested National League.
As for the Yankees, their slide continues at an inopportune time. With injuries mounting and bullpen inconsistencies beginning to show, the team faces tough questions heading into the second half of the season. Manager Aaron Boone and the front office may need to address these issues soon if they hope to regain momentum and return to their winning ways.
In the end, it was Jeff McNeil’s bat—and glove—that made the difference on a night where both teams flexed their power. For the Mets, it was a much-needed moment of triumph in front of their home fans. For the Yankees, it was another missed opportunity in a stretch that’s quickly becoming concerning.
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