With a dominant 12-3 victory in the Bronx on Wednesday night, the New York Mets achieved a feat they haven't managed since 2013: sweeping their cross-town rivals, the New York Yankees, in the Subway Series. This victory not only cements their recent surge in form but also underscores a remarkable turnaround in their season.
Mets' Sweep Seals Landmark Series
The Mets capped their series sweep with a powerful display against the Yankees, highlighted by five home runs, three of which were hit off Yankees ace Gerrit Cole. Francisco Lindor stood out, smashing two homers and bringing his season total to 21. Another key contributor, Juan Soto, went 2-for-3 with a home run, a double, and a walk, showcasing his offensive prowess.
Over the four games, the Mets outscored the Yankees 36-14, demonstrating a superior edge in both batting and pitching. Their triumph included winning their two home games on June 25 and 26, followed by a tight 3-2 win at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, before sealing the series with a resounding victory the next night.
Subway Series History
This series win is particularly significant in light of the historical context. The Mets have traditionally struggled in the interleague Subway Series, winning only five out of 28 prior to this year. In contrast, the Yankees had claimed victory in ten. Thirteen of the series had ended in a split, highlighting the competitive nature of these encounters.
Cole's Struggles Continues
Gerrit Cole’s struggles this season became apparent once more during this series. Wednesday’s game saw his ERA balloon to 5.40, a figure that's been affected by a spring elbow injury that delayed his season debut until June 19. Despite Cole being a linchpin for the Yankees' rotation, his current form suggests he’s not fully recovered.
Mets' Season Turnaround
The Mets' victory not only marks a high point in the Subway Series but also underscores their significant turnaround this season. As of now, they stand at 53-48, positioning them five games over .500 for the first time this year. This is a stark contrast to their situation on June 2, when they were 11 games under .500. Since then, they have adopted a remarkable pace, going 29-13, which has thrust them into the second wild-card position in the National League. They are trailing the second-place Braves in the NL East by just 1½ games, suggesting the Mets are well within reach of a higher division standing.
Yankees' Slump in July
On the other hand, the Yankees have experienced a tumultuous month, posting a 6-12 record for July. Despite this slump, they remain in playoff contention and are within striking distance of the AL East-leading Orioles. This juxtaposition of fortunes between the two New York teams adds another layer of intrigue to their storied rivalry.
The Mets' resurgence and the Yankees' struggles paint a vivid picture of a season full of unexpected twists and turns. While the Mets have capitalized on their form to climb the standings, the Yankees are grappling with injuries and inconsistency. The recent Subway Series sweep not only celebrates the Mets' triumph but also highlights the broader narratives unfolding in the MLB season.