Yankees 8-2 Mets: Bombers remain king of New York

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New York Yankees 8-2 New York Mets

Amid the electricity of a capacity crowd at Yankee Stadium, Cody Bellinger emerged as the difference-maker, crushing a momentum-shifting grand slam in the eighth inning that catapulted the New York Yankees to a commanding 8-2 triumph over the New York Mets on Sunday evening.

The explosive six-run eruption in the bottom of the eighth clinched the Yankees’ second win in the three-game Subway Series opener and delivered an emphatic statement to their city rivals in this clash of division leaders.

Bellinger delivers signature bronx moment

Bellinger, who had already contributed two runs in the opening frame with a double that glanced off Pete Alonso’s glove, stepped to the plate with the bases loaded in the eighth. Following Paul Goldschmidt‘s run-scoring single and Jasson Domínguez crossing home on an Alonso throwing miscue, Bellinger hammered a 2-1 offering from Génesis Cabrera deep into the right-field stands.

The grand slam, representing Bellinger’s ninth of his career and inaugural blast as a Yankee, transformed a tight contest into a comfortable margin. The shot gave him a season-best six RBIs, cementing a defining performance before an enthusiastic gathering of 48,028 fans.

Yankees exploit Mets’ defensive lapses

The Yankees capitalized on several defensive shortcomings by the Mets. A throwing error from Mark Vientos in the first created the initial scoring chance, while Alonso’s misplay in the eighth paved the way for the go-ahead tally.

The Mets recorded two significant errors, issued eight free passes to Yankees batters (their highest total this season), and faltered in critical situations. Ryne Stanek (1-4) absorbed the loss after surrendering two earned runs without recording an out.

Fried and Peterson match efforts in tight contest

In a showdown between southpaw starters, Max Fried and David Peterson delivered comparable performances across six innings. Fried conceded merely three hits and two runs, striking out five, while the Mets spoiled 27 of his 102 pitches, preventing him from working deeper into the contest.

Peterson likewise allowed three hits and two runs, with both hurlers departing with the score knotted at 2-2. Though receiving no decision, Fried reduced his ERA to 1.97 over his previous five outings and maintained his status as one of the Yankees’ most dependable starters.

Williams neutralizes Mets’ threat

The game’s critical sequence unfolded in the eighth inning’s top half with the score still even. Devin Williams (2-2) entered to face the Mets’ lineup core. He methodically retired Juan Soto, Pete Alonso, and Mark Vientos in succession, notching one strikeout and extinguishing a potential Mets rally.

Williams’ flawless inning proved instrumental in preserving the deadlock and establishing the foundation for the Yankees’ offensive barrage in the subsequent half-inning.

Soto receives cold reception in Bronx return

Attention remained fixed on Juan Soto, making his first Bronx appearance since signing a record $765 million, 15-year agreement with the Mets during the offseason. The former Yankee encountered vociferous jeers throughout the series, and Sunday provided no exception.

Soto finished 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in the finale, concluding the series with a mere 1-for-10 showing alongside four walks — statistics that elicited more derision than applause from the Yankee faithful.

Celebrity turnout for high-profile matchup

The high-stakes interleague confrontation attracted numerous luminaries. Among those observing were baseball great Albert Pujols, NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, and NBA standout Karl-Anthony Towns, enhancing the playoff-caliber atmosphere under the Bronx lights.

Key moment & stats

With the score tied entering the eighth, Devin Williams’ poised dismissal of the Mets’ premier threats — Soto, Alonso, Vientos — altered the evening’s trajectory. His shutdown performance transferred momentum to the Yankees heading into their decisive rally.

Bellinger’s six RBIs represent a season high and the most by any Yankee this campaign.
The Mets’ eight walks issued marked their highest single-game total this season.
Max Fried has now completed at least six innings in seven straight starts while maintaining a 1.97 ERA during this stretch.

Yankees roster

Up Next

Tuesday, May 20 — Yankee Stadium, New York

Yankees starter: RHP Will Warren (2-2, 4.61 ERA)
Rangers starter: LHP Patrick Corbin (3-2, 3.35 ERA)
First pitch: 7:05 p.m. ET

Following a well-deserved rest day, the Yankees welcome the Texas Rangers to the Bronx for a three-game set. Rookie Will Warren takes the mound seeking to build upon a productive May as the Yankees strive to maintain their position atop the American League standings.

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