EXPLOSION! Pete Alonso Hits RBI Single to Bring Juan Soto Home, Mets Take the Lead!
The battle for New York baseball supremacy once again ignited as the New York Mets and New York Yankees clashed at Citi Field in a thrilling showdown that saw the Mets emerge victorious, 6-5, on Friday night. The highlight of the night? A clutch RBI single by Pete Alonso, driving in Juan Soto and propelling the Mets into the lead for good.
This matchup was more than just a regular-season contest — it was a showcase of star power, grit, and relentless offense, captivating the sold-out crowd and delivering another unforgettable chapter in the storied Subway Series rivalry.
Yankees Explode Early with Domínguez and Judge
The Yankees wasted no time electrifying the Mets’ home crowd — for all the wrong reasons. Jasson Domínguez and Aaron Judge launched back-to-back home runs off Mets rookie Justin Hagenman to open the game. Domínguez’s blast set the tone, and Judge followed with his 32nd home run of the season, continuing his chase of the MLB home run crown.
While Judge has been slugging at an elite level, his pursuit of the league lead was temporarily overshadowed by Seattle’s Cal Raleigh, who crushed two homers on the same night to reach 35 home runs on the season.
The Yankees’ early 2-0 lead looked ominous, but the Mets had other plans.
Juan Soto Responds in the First Inning
The Mets responded immediately in the bottom of the first inning. After an electric leadoff at-bat, Juan Soto obliterated a pitch from Yankees starter Marcus Stroman, sending it deep into the right-field seats for his 21st home run of the season.
Soto’s two-run shot tied the game at 2-2 and served as a reminder of why the Mets went all-in to acquire him in the offseason. Soto, who has been the Mets’ offensive catalyst, showcased his ability to change a game with a single swing.
Pete Alonso Delivers the Go-Ahead Blow
The turning point came in the third inning. With Soto on base, Pete Alonso, nicknamed “The Polar Bear,” stepped up and delivered in a classic clutch situation. Alonso ripped an RBI single to left field, scoring Soto and giving the Mets a 3-2 lead.
This moment wasn’t just about the RBI — it was about momentum. Alonso’s hit energized the Mets’ dugout and shifted the narrative of the game, proving once again why he remains one of the most feared hitters in the National League (NL).
Yankees Battle Back with Power of Their Own
Refusing to go quietly, the Yankees showed resilience. In the fourth inning, former NL MVP Cody Bellinger crushed his 13th home run of the season, turning on a low cutter from Hagenman and sending it soaring into the upper deck in right field. Bellinger’s blast leveled the score once again at 3-3, rekindling the fierce intensity of the rivalry.
The Yankees struck again in the fifth inning. Domínguez, already with a homer in the first, launched his second home run of the night — a towering two-run blast off Mets reliever Austin Warren. This shot put the Yankees up 5-3, appearing to put the game out of reach for the Mets.
Brett Baty Sparks the Mets’ Comeback
But the Mets had a different script in mind. In the bottom of the sixth, promising young infielder Brett Baty stepped up against Yankees reliever Ian Hamilton. Baty, who has shown flashes of brilliance this season, connected on a crucial solo home run, narrowing the deficit to 5-4.
The blast reinvigorated the crowd and the Mets’ bench, setting the stage for another momentum shift.
The Mets Complete the Comeback
In the seventh inning, the Mets kept the pressure on the Yankees’ bullpen. A combination of patient at-bats and aggressive baserunning allowed them to put runners in scoring position. A sacrifice fly from Francisco Lindor tied the game at 5-5, turning the energy inside Citi Field into a frenzy.
Then, in the bottom of the eighth, the hero of the night struck again. After Soto reached base for the fourth time, Alonso came through with a sharp single into left field, plating Soto and giving the Mets a 6-5 lead they would never relinquish.
The Mets Bullpen Holds Strong
After blowing a few close games earlier in the week, the Mets’ bullpen was determined to finish strong. Veteran closer Edwin Díaz, who has been working his way back from injury, shut the door in the ninth inning with a clean 1-2-3 frame, punctuated by a strikeout of Judge to end the game.
The victory not only ended the Mets’ losing streak but also handed the Yankees their fifth consecutive loss, adding another chapter of frustration to the Bronx Bombers’ recent struggles.
Yankees in Trouble: Skid Continues
The Yankees’ loss marks their sixth defeat in their past seven games, raising concerns about their once-promising season. Despite Judge’s continued brilliance and Domínguez’s breakout performance, the Yankees’ pitching staff has faltered under pressure.
Starter Marcus Stroman, still shaking off rust from his stint on the injured list, lasted just five innings, giving up seven hits and three runs. The bullpen couldn’t hold the lead, and the offense was unable to respond once the Mets surged ahead.
If the Yankees can’t right the ship soon, their lead in the American League East (AL East) could evaporate quickly, with the Orioles and Blue Jays hot on their heels.
Mets’ Revival: Can This Spark a Winning Streak?
For the Mets, this win could be the start of a much-needed turnaround. With Alonso and Soto leading the charge, the Mets now sit in striking distance of a Wild Card spot.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza praised his team’s resilience after the game:
“This is the fight we’ve been talking about all year. Against a team like the Yankees, it means even more. Soto, Pete, Baty—they came through when we needed them most.”
The Mets still have a tough road ahead but beating their crosstown rivals in dramatic fashion could be the spark they’ve been waiting for.
Key Stats from the Subway Showdown
| Player | Team | Notable Stat |
|---|---|---|
| Pete Alonso | Mets | 2-for-4, 2 RBIs |
| Juan Soto | Mets | 1 HR (21st of the season), 2 runs |
| Brett Baty | Mets | 1 HR, 1 RBI |
| Jasson Domínguez | Yankees | 2 HRs (multi-HR game), 3 RBIs |
| Aaron Judge | Yankees | 1 HR (32nd of the season), 1 RBI |
| Cody Bellinger | Yankees | 1 HR (13th of the season) |
Looking Ahead: Series Continues
The Mets and Yankees will meet again this weekend to conclude their two-game Subway Series matchup. With emotions running high and the Yankees desperate to end their skid, expect another intense battle between these city rivals.
The Mets are likely to start veteran right-hander Luis Severino, facing his former team for the first time. The Yankees will counter with Carlos Rodón, hoping he can stop the bleeding.
Conclusion: Mets Steal the Show, Alonso and Soto Shine Bright
Friday night’s Subway Series clash was everything baseball fans love about this rivalry — explosive offense, dramatic comebacks, and superstar performances. Pete Alonso’s clutch hitting and Juan Soto’s home run heroics stole the show and lifted the Mets to a much-needed victory.
As the season heats up, both teams face critical crossroads. For the Mets, Friday’s win could be the start of something bigger. For the Yankees, it’s time to regroup before their season slips away.
One thing is certain: New York baseball is alive with drama once again.
