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Tag: New York Mets

  • Monday Stat Party: Rookie Monster Performance

    Monday Stat Party: Rookie Monster Performance

    Monday Stat Party: Mets Weekly Statistical Review Highlights Historic Feats

    Welcome back to Monday Stat Party, a weekly series showcasing the most curious and nostalgia-inducing statistical developments from the past week of New York Mets baseball. Each entry is united by a sense of intrigue and an unbridled love for the game’s anomalies. Without further ado, let the stat party begin.

    Monday: Robert Stock Joins Exclusive Managerial Win Club

    Robert Stock became the fourth pitcher in MLB history to go seven or more calendar years between wins, with each victory coming under the same manager. Stock’s previous win occurred on April 5, 2019, as a member of Andy Green’s San Diego Padres. source: Sarah Langs on X

    Tuesday: Lindor Reaches Milestone; Manaea Matches Career High

    Francisco Lindor reached 15 home runs for the tenth time in his career. At the time, Lindor became the second primary shortstop to reach 15+ homers in 10+ seasons, joining Cal Ripken Jr. (13 seasons of 15+ homers). By Sunday, Corey Seager joined Ripken and Lindor on that list by hitting his 15th home run of the year, giving him 10 seasons of 15+ homers as well.

    Lindor has recorded 15+ homers in 10 of the last 11 seasons, missing only the shortened 2020 campaign. Currently, he is one of only seven players with 15+ home runs in 10+ seasons since 2016, joining Eugenio Suárez, Manny Machado, Bryce Harper, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Seager.

    Sean Manaea allowed 11 hits, marking his most as a Met and tying a career high originally set on July 27, 2016, at Globe Life Park in Arlington, and matched on September 12, 2017, at Fenway Park.

    Wednesday: Mets Set Franchise Record for Pitchers Earning Wins

    Dedniel Núñez became the 23rd different Mets pitcher to earn a win this season, establishing a new franchise record. The previous mark was set two years ago in 2024, when the Mets had 22 different pitchers earn a win. Remarkably, only four pitchers earned a win for the Mets in both 2024 and 2026: Sean Manaea, David Peterson, Brooks Raley, and fittingly, Núñez.

    For just the tenth time this season, Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and Bo Bichette each recorded a hit in the same game.

    Soto’s 111.8-mph home run was the Mets’ second-hardest-hit long ball of the season, trailing only Luis Robert Jr.’s 112.2-mph solo shot in Milwaukee on July 21.

    Friday: Rookie Duo Makes History; McLean Dominates Strikeout and Quality Start Leaderboards

    With Carson Benge’s 20th stolen base of the season, Benge and A.J. Ewing became the fifth pair of rookie teammates to steal 20+ bases in the Wild Card era (since 1995), joining:

    • Carlos Beltrán and Carlos Febles (1999 Royals)
    • Dairon Blanco and Maikel Garcia (2023 Royals)
    • Brenton Doyle and Nolan Jones (2023 Rockies)
    • Chandler Simpson and Jake Mangum (2025 Rays)

    They are the first New York teammates to accomplish the feat since a pair of Brooklyn Dodgers (Bill Davidson and Jake Daubert) and New York Giants (Josh Devore and Fred Snodgrass) did it in 1910.

    Nolan McLean’s punchout of Christian Koss on his final pitch of the night marked his 179th strikeout of the season, moving him past Jerry Koosman and into third place on the Mets’ all-time rookie strikeout leaderboard. He now trails only Dwight Gooden (276) and Kodai Senga (202).

    McLean recorded his 18th quality start this season, tied with Chris Sale for fifth-most in the Majors behind Sandy Alcantara (21), Cristopher Sánchez (20), Michael Wacha (19), and Yoshinobu Yamamoto (19). McLean is one of only three pitchers since 2015 to reach 18 quality starts in their rookie season, joining Michael Soroka (18 in 2019) and Shota Imanaga (19 in 2024). McLean also recorded his 19th start of six or more innings pitched this season, tied for the second-most by a Met in a season since 2020, trailing only Chris Bassitt (23 in 2022).

    Over his last 12 starts, McLean has posted a 1.87 ERA. He is the eighth Met since 2000 to record a 12-game single-season span with an ERA below 1.90 while averaging six or more innings per outing, joining Mike Hampton, Johan Santana, R.A. Dickey, Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Zack Wheeler, and Max Scherzer.

    Francisco Alvarez recorded his seventh multi-homer game as a catcher, tied with Gary Carter for second-most before turning 25 years old. Only Johnny Bench (8) had more such games. source: Sarah Langs on X

    Alvarez became the first home or visiting player to hit multiple home runs with an exit velocity of 107 mph or higher in a game at Citi Field since Pete Alonso’s franchise-record-setting night against the Braves on August 12, 2025.

    Rafael Devers became the 35th player to record three extra-base hits and five RBI in a game against the Mets. Fittingly, the first ever to do it was another Giant, as Willie McCovey clubbed three homers and drove in five at Candlestick Park on September 22, 1963.

    The Mets hit five home runs against the Giants, marking their most in a game in franchise history against San Francisco. The Mets had hit four home runs against the Giants seven times, most recently on July 20, 2019, at Oracle Park (Dom Smith, Jeff McNeil, Todd Frazier, and Pete Alonso).

    The Mets scored 10+ runs for the 15th time this season, tied with 2006, 2007, and 2022 for the fifth-most such games in a season in franchise history. The only seasons with more double-digit scoring games were 2000 (24), 1999 (20), 1997 (18), and 1990 (17).

    The Mets scored 10+ runs on fewer than 10 hits for the second time this season, after having done so on May 31 against the Marlins at Citi Field. It is only the third season in franchise history where they’ve had multiple games of scoring double-digit runs on fewer than double-digit hits, joining 1976 (2 such games) and 1987 (3 such games).

    The Mets recorded 13 batted balls at 100 mph or higher, tied for their most in a game this season (matching their total set on July 27 against the Braves at Citi Field).

    Saturday: Devers and Koss Power Historic Offensive Display Against Mets Pitching

    Rafael Devers became the 14th player with five extra-base hits over two consecutive games against the Mets, and the second this season after Bryce Harper did it on June 20-21 at Citizens Bank Park (a stretch which included his first career cycle). The only other Giant to do it was Hunter Pence from August 3-4, 2014, at Citi Field.

    With two home runs off Zac Thornton, Christian Koss became just the third No. 9 hitter with multiple homers in a game off the same Mets pitcher, joining the Phillies’ Larry Christenson (September 5, 1976, off Mickey Lolich) and the Braves’ Derek Lilliquist (May 1, 1990, off Ron Darling). Koss is just the ninth No. 9 hitter with a multi-homer game against the Mets, but the second this season after Dansby Swanson went deep twice at Wrigley Field on June 24. It is the first time in Mets history they’ve yielded multiple multi-homer games to No. 9 batters in the same season. credit: SNY broadcast

    Devers and Koss each hit a pair of homers, marking the 17th time in franchise history that the Mets allowed multiple home runs to multiple players in the same game, and the first since July 14, 2024, when Ezequiel Tovar went deep twice and Michael Toglia went deep three times for the Rockies at Citi Field. The Giants had done it against the Mets once before, when Orlando Cepeda and Ed Bailey each homered twice at the Polo Grounds on May 4, 1963. Only once have three teammates recorded multi-homer games together against the Mets — on September 8, 1998, when the Phillies’ Kevin Sefcik, Rico Brogna, and Bobby Estalella did it at Veterans Stadium.

    Sunday: Benge Climbs Rookie Hits List; Lavender and Scott Shine; Mets Secure Dramatic Win

    Carson Benge’s seventh-inning double marked his 143rd hit of the season, moving him past Jay Payton and into fourth place on the Mets’ rookie hits leaderboard behind Pete Alonso (155 in 2019), Ty Wigginton (146 in 2003), and Ron Hunt (145 in 1963).

    Nate Lavender recorded a 13th straight scoreless appearance to begin his career, marking the second-most for a Mets pitcher behind Joe Smith (17 in 2007).

    Christian Scott notched his 159th strikeout in his 30th career game, tying Nolan Ryan and Zack Wheeler for the eighth-most strikeouts by a Mets pitcher through their first 30 games, behind: Dwight Gooden (267), Matt Harvey (227), Noah Syndergaard (215), Kodai Senga (211), Nolan McLean (205), Jacob deGrom (187), and Steven Matz (169).

    Bo Bichette hit his first three-run home run since Game 7 of the 2025 World Series, when he gave the Blue Jays a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning with an iconic shot off Shohei Ohtani.

    The Mets won while only scoring runs in the eighth inning for the first time since April 14, 2024, against the Royals at Citi Field. The Mets won after scoring four or more runs in the eighth inning despite being held scoreless over the first seven innings for the first time since their fateful Game 161 in Atlanta on September 30, 2024.

    The Mets earned their fifth win over the Giants this season, tied for their most against the Giants in a single season since they went 7-2 against San Francisco in 1999.

    Miscellaneous Mets Stat of the Week: Walk-Off Grand Slam History

    Since 1910, only six National League teams are known to have hit multiple walk-off grand slams in a season:

    • 1962 Braves (Henry Aaron, Tommie Aaron)
    • 1963 Mets (Tim Harkness, Jim Hickman)
    • 1980 Cubs (Barry Foote, Cliff Johnson)
    • 1983 Phillies (Bo Díaz, Ozzie Virgil)
    • 2001 Braves (Javy López, Brian Jordan)
    • 2018 Cubs (Jason Heyward, David Bote)

    Both of the 2001 Braves’ walk-off grand slams came against the Mets, making them one of only three teams since 1910 to hit two walk-off grand slams against the same team in the same season, along with the 1998 Red Sox (who did it facing Seattle) and the 1963 Mets (who themselves pulled it off against the Cubs).

  • Mets’ Juan Soto Makes Career Announcement After Returning From Injury

    Mets’ Juan Soto Makes Career Announcement After Returning From Injury

    Juan Soto returned from the injured list Saturday and made his way back onto the field Monday night, even though he was not in the New York Mets’ starting lineup against the Tampa Bay Rays.

    After receiving a planned rest day from interim manager Andy Green, Soto entered as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning with two runners in scoring position. He struck out to end the Mets’ final scoring opportunity, then remained in the game to play left field.

    The Mets held on for a 3-2 win at Tropicana Field, improving to 62-76 and remaining fifth in the National League East. Tampa Bay fell to 82-55 but stayed atop the American League East.

    Juan Soto Unveils First Under Armour Signature Cleat

    Before the game, Soto announced a major development away from baseball. Shortly after returning from his calf injury, he used Instagram to unveil his first player-exclusive cleat in partnership with longtime sponsor Under Armour.

    The shoe is called the UA Yard Icon “La Fiera.” Soto has worn Under Armour cleats throughout his career, and the brand has sponsored him since 2018, when he played for the Washington Nationals.

    Soto will appear at Brooklyn’s City Line Park on Thursday, Sept. 3, to celebrate the launch. The first 75 fans in the meet-and-greet line will receive a photo with Soto, while customers who purchase La Fiera merchandise will receive an event-exclusive poster.

    The Mets do not play Thursday, giving Soto a full day to meet with fans before the series resumes. His Instagram announcement was posted Monday and had received nearly 9,000 likes within approximately 16 hours.

    Soto is batting .282 with 22 home runs and 54 RBIs this season. He missed 31 games with a Grade 2 strain in his left calf before returning Saturday.

    Mets Make Several Roster Moves

    New York’s roster changed by the end of Monday’s game. The Baltimore Orioles claimed outfielder Luis Robert Jr. off waivers from the Mets, ending his time in New York and saving the club approximately $5 million.

    Robert had batted .267 with six home runs over his previous 20 games. The Mets recalled outfielder Nick Morabito from Triple-A Syracuse to take his roster spot. Morabito is ranked as the organization’s No. 13 prospect.

    Right-hander Justin Hagenman also joined the active roster as MLB rosters expanded to 28 players league-wide Tuesday. Hagenman is scheduled to start Wednesday’s series finale against the Rays.

    Mark Vientos returned from the injured list Monday after missing time with a fractured right hand. The injury had sidelined him since July 9, and he homered in his first game back.

    Source: sports.yahoo.com

  • Mets Series Preview: New York Mets Travel to Florida for Matchup With Tampa Bay Rays

    Mets Series Preview: New York Mets Travel to Florida for Matchup With Tampa Bay Rays

    The New York Mets (61-76) continue their difficult stretch against first-place opponents when they travel to Tampa for a three-game series against the American League East-leading Tampa Bay Rays (82-54).

    The teams last met in June 2025, when Tampa Bay swept the Mets at Citi Field. The Rays also swept the 2024 series in May 2024 at Tropicana Field, before the Mets used the power of Grimace and OMG to fuel their unforgettable comeback and postseason run.

    Mets struggle against Astros despite Juan Soto’s return

    For the third consecutive series, the Mets faced a first-place team. After losing two of three to the AL Central-leading White Sox in Chicago and two of three to the NL Central-leading Brewers, New York could not overcome the AL West-leading Astros despite Houston’s middling record.

    The Mets bookended the series with losses, falling 3-1 on Friday night and 6-3 on Sunday afternoon. They won 6-2 on Saturday behind Nolan McLean’s outstanding performance and a terrific offensive showing from Jared Young, who drove in three runs and collected three of the team’s hits.

    Overall, the Mets struggled with runners in scoring position. They went 0-for-11 in their two losses and 4-for-12 in their victory, finishing the series 4-for-23 in those situations against Houston. New York left 16 runners on base across the three games.

    The Mets did receive an offensive boost from the unexpected return of Juan Soto, who did not require a rehabilitation assignment after missing 31 games with a Grade 2 strain in his left calf. Soto delivered the go-ahead hit in Saturday’s victory after fouling a ball off his injured calf. On Sunday, he followed Francisco Lindor’s leadoff home run with a first-inning homer of his own. Soto finished the series 2-for-7 with a walk and two RBIs.

    Although the Mets’ position in the standings makes the result largely academic, watching the team with Soto in the lineup is preferable to the alternative.

    Francisco Lindor climbs Mets’ home run list

    For those tracking Mets history and the franchise’s home run rankings, Lindor’s Sunday home run was the 155th of his career with New York. That moved him past Dave Kingman for sixth place on the team’s all-time list. Lindor had tied Kingman with his home run in Tuesday’s win over the Brewers.

    Howard Johnson is next on the list, with 192 home runs as a Met. Assuming Lindor remains in New York, as appears extremely likely, it is difficult to envision him passing Johnson next season unless he finishes this year especially strongly and enjoys a healthy, power-filled 2027 campaign. That projection also assumes a full season unaffected by a potential lockout.

    More likely, if Lindor plays out his contract in New York, he will move into the top five sometime during the 2028 season. With five years remaining on his contract, Lindor could also eventually pass Johnson and Mike Piazza’s 220 home runs, although health and other circumstances will play a role.

    Rays enter series on four-game winning streak

    Tampa Bay enters the series after sweeping the Padres at Tropicana Field, extending its winning streak to four games. The victory increased the Rays’ lead over the Yankees to 4.5 games as Tampa Bay tries to hold off New York, which has recently begun to make a push in the standings.

    The Rays are tied with the Braves and Dodgers for the second-most wins in baseball, trailing only the Brewers. Tampa Bay and Milwaukee are the only two teams with winning percentages above .600 this season, thanks in part to the Rays’ 54 losses compared with 55 each for Atlanta and Los Angeles.

    Tampa Bay is led primarily by its offense, which ranks first in the American League with a .733 OPS and a 105 wRC+. The Rays do not hit many home runs—their 142 rank 10th among AL teams—and their 616 runs are sixth in the league. They do, however, avoid strikeouts, posting an 18.6% strikeout rate that leads the AL.

    The Rays’ starting rotation has a 3.57 ERA, third in the American League, and a 3.78 FIP, fourth among AL teams. Their bullpen is the roster’s main weakness, with a 4.06 ERA entering Monday that ranks eighth in the league.

    Junior Caminero leads Tampa Bay’s offense

    The Mets just faced Yordan Alvarez, who is expected to run away with the AL MVP award. Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero should not be far behind in the voting and is close to Alvarez in two of the three Triple Crown categories.

    Caminero enters the series with 37 home runs and 87 RBIs, ranking second and third in the AL, respectively. He is batting .282/.369/.539 with a 149 wRC+ and 4.3 fWAR in 136 games and has been, by far, the Rays’ best hitter this season.

    His teammate Chandler Simpson is also chasing Alvarez for the AL batting title. Simpson ranks second with a .309 average in 128 games and is hitting .309/.338/.363. He has not hit a home run, but his speed has made him an impact player. His 37 stolen bases lead the American League.

    Yandy Díaz is third in the AL with a .303 batting average and is hitting .303/.371/.465 with 20 home runs and a 134 wRC+ in 131 games. Former Mets player Cedric Mullins is also with Tampa Bay this season and is batting .206/.297/.355 with 14 home runs, 18 stolen bases and an 80 wRC+ in 119 games.

    Mets-Rays pitching matchups

    Monday, August 31: Robert Stock vs. Ian Seymour, 6:40 p.m. EDT on SNY

    Stock (2026): 20.2 IP, 21 K, 13 BB, 2 HR, 7.40 ERA, 4.63 FIP, 182 ERA-

    Stock was hit hard in his last start, but even with Johan Tong nearing a seven-inning no-hitter in the minors, he retained his rotation spot for another turn. The Brewers scored early and often, tagging the right-hander for seven earned runs on a season-high 10 hits over four innings. Stock struck out two, walked two and allowed one home run in the loss. His days in the rotation appear numbered unless he can rebound quickly in Monday night’s start.

    Seymour (2026): 107.0 IP, 128 K, 32 BB, 19 HR, 4.21 ERA, 4.01 FIP, 100 ERA-

    Seymour will make his 12th start of the season alongside 30 relief appearances. The left-hander last entered in the eighth inning and finished Tampa Bay’s game against the Tigers, taking the loss after allowing four runs—three earned—on seven hits over 5 2/3 innings. He did not walk a batter, struck out five and surrendered one home run, taking his fifth loss of the season.

    Tuesday, September 1: Sean Manaea vs. Freddy Peralta, 6:40 p.m. EDT on SNY

    Manaea (2026): 122.2 IP, 120 K, 40 BB, 20 HR, 4.55 ERA, 4.57 FIP, 112 ERA-

    Manaea had been excellent in his previous two starts until struggling the third time through the opposing lineup. He was hit hard in his latest outing against the Brewers, allowing six earned runs on eight hits with three strikeouts and one walk over 5 2/3 innings.

    He did well to reach the sixth inning given the early damage, helping preserve the bullpen. Still, it was his first failure to complete six innings since July 18, ending a streak of six consecutive starts. Manaea has been a recent bright spot after a difficult start to the year and will look to finish the season strongly while building momentum before the final year of his contract in 2027.

    Peralta (2026): 141.0 IP, 133 K, 54 BB, 22 HR, 5.11 ERA, 4.52 FIP, 125 ERA-

    Peralta has actually struggled more since leaving the Mets, adding to the frustration of his 2026 season. The former Met has made five starts since being traded to Tampa Bay, posting a 5.60 ERA and a 4.88 FIP over 27 1/3 innings.

    He is coming off his best start with the Rays, throwing six shutout innings against the Tigers to earn his sixth win of the season and his first with Tampa Bay. Peralta scattered two hits, struck out four and did not issue a walk. In his previous start, he worked seven innings against the Orioles but allowed five earned runs on seven hits and took the loss.

    Wednesday, September 2: Christian Scott vs. Shane McClanahan, 6:40 p.m. EDT on SNY

    Scott (2026): 94.2 IP, 113 K, 44 BB, 10 HR, 3.80 ERA, 3.75 FIP, 93 ERA-

    Scott delivered a solid performance through five innings against the Astros before running into trouble in the sixth and taking the loss. He allowed one hit, walked two and did not give up a run through the first five innings. After recording the first out in the sixth, he issued three consecutive walks, ending his night.

    Nate Lavender relieved Scott and allowed all three inherited runners to score, damaging the right-hander’s final line. Scott finished with five walks and has now issued nine free passes over nine innings in his last two starts. He endured a difficult August, finishing the month with a 6.04 ERA and a 4.54 FIP over 25 1/3 innings.

    McClanahan (2026): 113.0 IP, 103 K, 38 BB, 9 HR, 3.19 ERA, 3.41 FIP, 76 ERA-

    McClanahan has taken a long road back after undergoing Tommy John surgery in August 2023 and missing all of 2024. He then missed the entire 2025 season because of significant nerve irritation that prevented him from pitching.

    The left-hander enters the series with a 3.19 ERA and a 3.41 FIP, both well within his career norms. His ERA ranks ninth among AL starting pitchers with at least 110 innings. McClanahan earned a win in his last start against the Padres after allowing four runs—three earned—on three hits over 5 2/3 innings.

    Source: www.amazinavenue.com

  • Freddy Peralta Faces Mets for First Time Since Trade to Rays

    Freddy Peralta Faces Mets for First Time Since Trade to Rays

    Freddy Peralta is treating his return to New York as a regular start, even as the matchup carries added significance. The Tampa Bay Rays acquired the veteran right-hander from the Milwaukee Brewers last offseason, but his disappointing run with the Mets contributed to the Trade Deadline sell-off that sent him to Tampa Bay.

    Peralta will start the middle game of the series against his former team, giving him an opportunity to showcase the progress he has made during his first month with the Rays. He has worked closely with pitching coach Kyle Snyder and bullpen coach Jorge Moncada to address the issues that affected his performance in New York.

    “Obviously, I feel different mentally and physically. I feel really comfortable right now, because I was working on a lot of stuff when I was in New York but I couldn’t make the adjustment until I got here,” Peralta said Monday afternoon in the Rays’ dugout. “The more important thing is now I am in the spot that I want to be.”

    Peralta did not find that comfort during his time with the Mets. He went 5-9 with a 4.99 ERA in 22 starts, a sharp contrast to the All-Star and National League Cy Young Award candidate he had become with the Brewers. His hits and walks increased while his strikeouts declined, and “Fastball Freddy” lost some of the extension that had made his signature fastball so effective.

    The right-hander previously acknowledged that he “let them down” after joining the Rays. Although he said Monday that it was difficult to leave the “really good friends” he made in New York, he fully expected to be traded by the time the Trade Deadline arrived.

    Peralta rejected the idea that pitching in New York’s high-pressure environment affected him. He said the pressure is “just part of the game” and was not responsible for his performance. He again made no excuses for his inconsistency but acknowledged that his lack of production weighed on him.

    “Because it was the first time that I was struggling like that. But I never give up,” Peralta said. “I was always trying to find a way to feel better, to pitch better, and I knew what I can do and I was feeling good physically, too, and healthy. But I couldn’t make the adjustment.”

    The Rays continued to see value in Peralta’s track record and pitch mix, acquiring him on Aug. 2 in exchange for three well-regarded prospects: right-hander Gary Gill Hill, infielder Émilien Pitre and outfielder Aidan Smith.

    “The good thing is that, now, I’m different,” Peralta said. “I feel different, and I’m ready to keep going until the World Series, hopefully.”

    Tampa Bay has been encouraged by Peralta’s progress and hopes he can maintain that momentum against the Mets.

    “I expect that Freddy’s going to go out and do what he’s been doing for us, and that’s compete at the highest level possible,” manager Kevin Cash said. “I’m sure he’s excited to see some buddies over there and pitch against them, but he’s done it before, coming from Milwaukee to New York.”

    Peralta said he will not know exactly how he feels until he takes the mound Tuesday night, but he does not plan to change his preparation.

    “It’s a challenge. Every game, I think, for me, I take it the same way,” Peralta said. “Just come in to compete and try to get the win.”

  • Cody Bellinger’s Three-Run Homer Helps Yankees Beat Mets

    Cody Bellinger’s Three-Run Homer Helps Yankees Beat Mets

    NEW YORK — The weight of September 11 permeated Yankee Stadium on Friday, visible in the first-responder caps resting on locker shelves and the memorial wreath that manager Aaron Boone, captain Aaron Judge, and ace Gerrit Cole carried into Monument Park during the early afternoon.

    Subway Series Victory on a Day of Remembrance

    A stirring pregame ceremony brought together members of the 2001 Yankees, who shared memories of a season when baseball helped a grieving city heal. In a Subway Series contest that belonged to New York, Cody Bellinger delivered the decisive blow, belting a three-run homer to power the Yankees to a 6-4 victory over the Mets.

    “It’s a special day,” Bellinger said. “Today was a day where it felt bigger than the game, bigger than yourself. It’s a day to be grateful, for sure.”

    Bellinger launched his 14th home run of the season against rookie right-hander Nolan McLean in the second inning, marking the first homer McLean has surrendered on a curveball in the major leagues.

    Personal History Adds Weight to the Moment

    Wearing pinstripes and an FDNY cap on this date carried profound personal significance for Bellinger. His father, Clay, played for those 2001 Yankees and became a firefighter in Gilbert, Arizona, after his playing career ended.

    “He was here with the team; went to Ground Zero with the team when they went,” Bellinger said. “We were in New York at the time, so it’s a pretty surreal day now to be here. He talked about the World Series, how important it felt.”

    The connection deepened when Bellinger was chosen to catch the ceremonial first pitch from Brielle Saracini. Her father, Victor Saracini, was the captain of United Flight 175, which was flown into the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

    “[Baseball] was definitely what the country needed and what the country united around,” Saracini said. “It became this special thing that healed me. It healed 10-year-old Brielle.”

    “It was just a nice little touch to be able to swing that one,” Rice said. “It started with the ‘U.S.A.’ chants you heard right after the anthem; I mean, there’s nothing cooler than that. Everybody being so proud to be Americans, watching a baseball game between New York’s teams.”

    Luis García Jr. contributed three hits in the win, extending the Yankees’ winning streak to four games.

    “I’ve got to say, seeing the fans, seeing how much they were into the ceremony before the game, seeing the emotions from them was special,” García said through interpreter Marlon Abreu.

    Rodón Delivers Longest Outing of the Season

    Calling it a “heavy” assignment to pitch on this particular date, Carlos Rodón allowed two runs — one earned — over 6 1/3 innings, marking his longest outing of the year. The left-hander surrendered three hits, walked one, and struck out eight.

    “It was cool to be a part of,” said Rodón. “It’s sad, but it’s an honor to be able to pitch tonight.”

    Boone praised Rodón’s performance, noting the life on his four-seam fastball as well as the effectiveness of his changeup and slider. Rodón allowed a run-scoring groundout by Christopher Morel in the second inning, and an RBI single by A.J. Ewing off reliever Paul Blackburn in the seventh brought in an inherited runner.

    “Not only was his stuff really good, but he was efficient, too,” Boone said.

    Bednar Escapes Jam for Five-Out Save

    David Bednar recorded a five-out save, navigating a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the eighth inning by surrendering only a sacrifice fly to Marcus Semien. Ewing homered off Bednar in the ninth, but the closer recovered to induce a game-ending double-play grounder from Juan Soto.

    “It was great,” Boone said. “Obviously as a club, you’re playing for a lot, but having some of the people involved today back and part of the pregame ceremonies – it felt special. The energy in the crowd was special. It felt like you’d want a ballgame to feel like.”