With a commanding 12-3 victory in the Bronx on Wednesday night, the New York Mets accomplished what had eluded them for nearly a decade: a Subway Series sweep over the New York Yankees. This marks their first sweep of their cross-town rivals since 2013, a feat the team and its fans will cherish as they build momentum towards a potential postseason berth.
Mets Dominate in Rare Sweep
The sweep was solidified over four games, two at each ballpark. The Mets took both of their home games on June 25 and 26, followed by edging out the Yankees, 3-2, at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday. The final nail in the coffin came with Wednesday's resounding 12-3 victory.
During the four-game series, the Mets outscored the Yankees 36-14, showcasing an offensive firepower that has been a hallmark of their surge since the beginning of June. Historically, the Subway Series has largely tilted in favor of the Yankees, who have claimed victory in 10 of the 28 interleague matchups. The Mets have won only five, with thirteen of the Subway Series ending in splits. This recent sweep not only boosts the Mets' morale but also adds a significant chapter to the Subway Series lore.
Offensive Explosion
Wednesday’s game was especially notable for the Mets’ offensive display, as they blasted five home runs. Three of those came off Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, who has struggled this season. Francisco Lindor was the standout performer with two home runs, bringing his season tally to 21. Juan Soto also made significant contributions for the Yankees, going 2-for-3 with a homer, a double, and a walk.
Gerrit Cole, who delayed his season debut until June 19 due to a spring elbow injury, now holds an ERA of 5.40. His performance on Wednesday reflected the lingering effects of his early-season setback. The once-dominant pitcher continues to search for his form, a concern for the Yankees as they strive to remain in playoff contention.
Mets' Resurgence
The Mets' triumphs extend beyond the Subway Series as the team has displayed remarkable resilience since early June. On June 2, they sat 11 games under .500, a position that often marks a team's slide into irrelevance. Yet, since that point, the Mets have gone 29-13, flipping their fortunes entirely. They now stand five games over .500 with a 53-48 record, making this the first time all year they have been above that mark.
This turnaround has positioned the Mets as a serious contender for the postseason. Currently, they hold the second wild-card spot in the National League, trailing the second-place Atlanta Braves in the NL East by just 1½ games. For a team that seemed down and out at the beginning of June, their resurgence is a testament to their grit and determination.
Yankees' Struggles
Meanwhile, the Yankees continue to face challenges. Their 6-12 record for the month of July reflects ongoing struggles both on the mound and at the plate. Despite these obstacles, the Yankees remain within striking distance of the AL East-leading Baltimore Orioles. The team’s playoff hopes are far from dashed, but they will need to address their inconsistencies to mount a serious challenge down the stretch.
This latest setback at the hands of their city rivals will undoubtedly sting, but history has shown that the Yankees are capable of bouncing back. With the remaining season still wide open, this bruising rivalry only adds fuel to the competitive fire.
As both teams look forward to the remainder of the season, the Mets will bask in the glory of their rare, triumphant sweep, while the Yankees regroup with hopes of reclaiming their dominant form. The Subway Series, always a source of high drama and citywide intrigue, has once again delivered unforgettable moments and set the stage for a thrilling second half of the season.