Mets win, but no reprieve for Soto as Yankees fan hostility grows

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The Yankee Stadium crowd showed no mercy toward Juan Soto on Saturday, unleashing wave after wave of disapproval as the former pinstripe-wearer returned for his second consecutive day in enemy colors. While the Mets secured a tight 3-2 victory to level the Subway Series at one game apiece, the unforgiving reception for Soto remained the backdrop to an otherwise compelling crosstown clash.

In his second appearance at the stadium since his controversial move to Queens, Soto continued to draw the concentrated ire of Bronx supporters, who bombarded him with relentless jeers during each at-bat and outfield action. The hostility persisted throughout, even during moments of productivity from the former Yankee favorite.

“He got me once,” Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt said. “But I struck him out, too, so it’s a fair fight.” Schmidt, who delivered another strong performance with six-plus innings of two-run baseball, noted the crowd noise reached such intensity that adjustments to his communication equipment became necessary.

No escape for Soto from Yankees fans’ persistent hostility

Soto finished the afternoon with modest production—going 1-for-4 with a walk and a run scored—but remained the focal point of fan animosity. His fourth-inning single sparked a brief Mets rally that temporarily put the visitors ahead. Yet this contribution did nothing to soften the reception; thunderous disapproval continued to follow his every move in the right field and each plate appearance.

Unlike Friday’s performance, when Soto acknowledged the hostile crowd with theatrical cap-tipping and chest-pounding gestures, Saturday saw a more restrained approach. No gestures. No engagement. Just baseball.

The change in demeanor did nothing to diminish the crowd’s passion. “It was to be expected a little bit,” Schmidt said. “He was a lot of fun to play with, but obviously given the circumstances, you’re expecting a boo there.”

Lindor’s bat proves decisive

While Soto absorbed the brunt of fan emotion, Francisco Lindor emerged as the day’s decisive figure. The Mets’ shortstop broke the deadlock in the ninth inning, delivering a sacrifice fly to center field off Yankees reliever Fernandez Cruz, who had returned to the mound after recording the final out in the eighth.

“It was a tweener,” said Yankees center fielder Cody Bellinger, who made the catch. “I actually think [left fielder Jasson Domínguez] had the better lane. I already talked to him about it.”

Edwin Díaz slammed the door in the ninth, punctuating his appearance by striking out Aaron Judge with a 99 mph fastball. The strikeout capped a forgettable day for Judge, whose MLB-leading average dropped from .415 to .402 after an uncharacteristic 0-for-5, three-strikeout performance.

Schmidt continues strong run

Schmidt extended his quality start streak to three despite occasional command challenges. The right-hander limited the Mets to just three hits and two earned runs across six-plus frames, though he issued five walks. “These games are really fun for us,” Schmidt said. “It feels like the first real big games for us at home, and the crowd is heavily into it.”

Bellinger provided an offensive spark with a sixth-inning solo blast to right-center that momentarily electrified the stadium. DJ LeMahieu contributed two hits, including a third-inning solo shot off Mets starter Griffin Canning that gave the Yankees their initial advantage.

Yet the offense stumbled at critical junctures. Most notably, after loading the bases with two outs in the eighth, LeMahieu’s sharp liner found Soto’s glove in right field, extinguishing the threat. “That’s baseball,” said Boone postgame. “Right guy, right swing, wrong place.”

Defensive excellence not enough

The Yankees displayed defensive brilliance in key moments. During the seventh inning, Tyrone Taylor’s gap double tested Brett Baty’s baserunning, but flawless relay throws from Bellinger and shortstop Anthony Volpe resulted in an out at home plate. An inning later, Cruz fanned Mark Vientos with a runner in scoring position to preserve the tie.

These defensive gems ultimately proved insufficient to overcome missed offensive opportunities. The Mets likewise stranded runners in consecutive innings before Lindor’s sacrifice fly delivered the difference-maker.

Rivalry intensifies through Soto subplot

The Subway Series has gained additional emotional voltage through the Soto storyline, transforming an already theatrical rivalry into something more personal. Soto, who produced an impressive .311/.419/.547 line with 39 homers in pinstripes last season, remains a lightning rod—not for his Yankees performance, but for his unexpected departure.

The fanbase anticipated a contract extension. When negotiations failed, resentment filled the void.

Now, his every movement in the outfield and each plate appearance triggers a visceral response from those who once cheered him.

“I think he’s done a good job of handling it,” said Bellinger. “He’s putting together Juan Soto-type at-bats. He’s not rattled.”

Domínguez finding groove

While Judge experienced a rare off-day, Jasson Domínguez continued his recent hot streak, going 2-for-3 with a walk. The promising outfielder has batted .323 with three homers and nine RBIs over his last ten contests—an encouraging development as he establishes himself as a central figure in the Yankees’ offensive framework.

Series finale set for Sunday spotlight

The Subway Series concludes Sunday evening at Yankee Stadium with national television coverage on ESPN. The Yankees will deploy left-hander Max Fried (6-0, 1.11 ERA) against Mets southpaw David Peterson (2-2, 3.05 ERA). The finale promises another emotionally charged contest with divisional positioning, citywide bragging rights, and fan satisfaction hanging in the balance.

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