Yankees Defeat Mets in Juan Soto’s Bronx Homecoming

“It’s going to be 50,000 against one. They’re going to try to get on me, you know. It’s part of it.”

Those were the words of Juan Soto in an interview with the New York Post’s Jon Heyman prior to the start of the 2025 edition of the Subway Series, which officially kicked off on Friday night. In front of a sold-out crowd, Soto made his return to Yankee Stadium for the first time since signing with the Mets (28-17) this past offseason.

As anticipated, with one out in the top of the first, Soto made his way to the plate to face the Yankees’ (26-18) ace in Carlos Rodón (4-3, 3.17 ERA). He was greeted with boos as his name was announced, though he had some fun with the entire ordeal by tipping his helmet.

Soto finished 0-for-2 with three walks and represented one of the Mets’ two runs scored in their 6-2 loss, as he was driven in on an RBI single by Brandon Nimmo in the fourth.

The Mets couldn’t get much going all night long. They attempted to get some offense cooking in the ninth, but failed to make a comeback. The club’s struggles with runners in scoring position continued, as they were 2-for-11 in those spots and left nine on base.

The Mets had Tylor Megill (3-3, 3.74 ERA) on the mound, but it was a rough outing for him. He gave up four earned runs on four hits and five walks, making it through just 2 2/3 innings before being pulled. Megill allowed four free passes in the third inning alone and helped the Yankees gain an early lead.

With the bases loaded in the bottom of the third, Paul Goldschmidt singled to shortstop to score two as Francisco Lindor committed a throwing error. After a walk to Jasson Domínguez, Anthony Volpe made it 3-0 on a sacrifice fly to Soto. Megill then walked the next two batters, leading to the Yankees’ fourth run of the game.

Manager Carlos Mendoza had seen enough. He then turned to Max Kranick, who also got roughed up by the Yankees. After he worked his way out of the third, they continued to pour it on with two more runs in the fourth.

Kranick, in total, gave up those two earned runs on three hits and struck out one.

After Yerry De los Santos walked Francisco Alvarez and Jeff McNeil to put runners on first and second in the ninth, Lindor doubled to left field and made it a 6-2 game.

That brought up Soto for his fifth at-bat of the day. Facing closer Luke Weaver, he flied out to center field as the Yankees put the finishing touches on their win.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Nimmo was the Mets’ top performer on the night, as he went 2-for-4 with an RBI.

STAT OF THE GAME

Friday marked the 123rd Subway Series game. The Yankees, with their win, now hold a 72-51 all-time series lead. The Mets won all four of the matchups between the two teams in 2024 and will look to even the season set on Saturday.

ON DECK

The Mets will have Griffin Canning (5-1, 2.36 ERA) on the mound on Saturday, who will face Clarke Schmidt (1-1, 4.73 ERA) for the Yankees. First pitch is set for 1:05 PM ET.

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