The New York Mets and New York league boundaries may separate Yankees, but their cross-town rivalry never disappoints. In the opening game of their second Subway Series clash of 2025, the Mets edged out the Yankees with a thrilling 6-5 victory.
Plenty of stars stepped up in the showdown. Juan Soto gave the Yankees a spark with a solo home run against his former teammate Marcus Stroman. But it was Jeff McNeil who stole the show for the Mets.
McNeil launched a pivotal two-run homer in the seventh inning that turned the tide in the Mets’ favor. His heroics didn’t end there. In the ninth, with closer Reed Garrett in a jam, McNeil stepped up again — this time with the glove.
Yankees veteran DJ LeMahieu sent a ball that looked destined to drop for a hit. But McNeil had other plans. The second baseman made a full-extension diving grab, securing the ball and firing it to first for the out. It was a game-saving play and easily one of the defensive highlights of the Mets’ season.
Following the win, McNeil was on the receiving end of an ice bath, courtesy of Garrett and several fired-up teammates. The celebration was well earned, especially considering what he shared with reporters afterward.
“I just tried to get a good jump on the ball,” McNeil explained. “Once it hit my glove, I thought, ‘oh s**t, I caught it,’ and then I threw him out. I knew Judge was due up fourth, and we didn’t want him coming to the plate in that situation. That’s why I got so fired up after the play.”
Known more for his work with the bat than flashy fielding, McNeil’s defensive gem couldn’t have come at a better time. The win moved the Mets within half a game of the top spot in the National League East.
With momentum on their side, the Mets will look to build on Friday’s win as they continue their weekend set against the Yankees. A strong showing could set the stage for the return of their ace and a serious push up the standings in the NL.
