About Last Night: Yankees 8, Mets 2

by Derek McAdam

May 19, 2025

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The New York Yankees defeated the New York Mets last night by a score of 8-2, improving to 27-19 on the season. Here is a quick recap of last night’s game.

Quick Stats:

W: Devin Williams (2-2): 1 IP, 1 K                  

L: Ryne Stanek (1-4): 0.1 IP, 2 H, 4 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 1 K

HRs: NYY: Cody Bellinger (7)(Grand Slam)

Fun Fact:

Cody Bellinger currently has the longest hit streak in the Majors, sitting at 13.

Big Story:

The Sunday Night Baseball matchup had a lot on the line, as both teams were hoping for a win to take the first of two series between these two teams this season. The Yankees had the first scoring opportunity in the 1st, when Paul Goldschmidt reached on an error and Aaron Judge doubled down the right field line with one out. Bellinger hit a two-run double past Pete Alonso to give the Yankees a quick 2-0 lead.

In the 2nd, the Mets got on the board with a two-out RBI single from Jeff McNeil to cut the Yankee lead in half at 2-1.

Through the first four innings, both teams had an opportunity to push runs across the plate, but both Max Fried and David Peterson made big pitches and got out of the innings unscathed. But in the 5th, McNeil scored from third on a wild pitch that got away from Austin Wells to tie the game at 2-2.

In the bottom of the inning, the Yankees loaded the bases with two outs for Anthony Volpe, who grounded out on the first pitch to end the inning.

It was a pitching battle between Fried and Peterson, both of whom ended their nights going six innings and allowing only two runs to cross the plate. At least for Peterson, only one of those two runs was earned. The pitching matchup came as-advertised, and was a fun one to watch.

In the 7th, the Yankees had runners on first and second for Bellinger, who reached on an infield single to load the bases again for Volpe. After an unsuccessful first at-bat with the bases loaded, Volpe then struck out to end the inning and leave the bases loaded yet again.

In the 8th, Jasson Dominguez led off the inning with a walk. After DJ LeMahieu struck out, Austin Wells doubled to left to put runners at second and third with one out for Jorbit Vivas, who put together an impressive at-bat and grounded to Pete Alonso, who then threw the ball away coming home, giving the Yankees a 3-2 lead. Goldschmidt then ripped a single into center field to extend the lead to 4-2. After Trent Grisham worked a walk, the bases were loaded once again, this time for Judge. However, he struck out to bring up Bellinger, who hit a grand slam to give the Yankees a commanding 8-2 lead.

Tim Hill came on in the 9th to record the final three outs, although Brandon Nimmo challenged him with a 14-pitch at-bat before flying out to left field.

Player of the Game:

No doubt this award goes to Bellinger, who finished the night with six RBIs and reaching base all five times he came to the plate.

Notable Performances:

As mentioned above, both Fried and Peterson pitched well for their respective teams. I am also going to give an honorable shoutout to Vivas, who had an incredible at-bat against Stanek and ultimately gave the Yankees their go-ahead run.

Better to Forget:

Volpe had a dreadful night at the plate and left the bases loaded twice in crucial situations down the stretch of the game. As for the Mets, the Yankees busted the game open in the 8th due to Alonso’s error, which is definitely a play he wants to forget.

My Take:

The Battle of New York currently goes to the Yankees, and it is such a great feeling to take this series. All three games had a playoff atmosphere and had notable moments throughout, However, I think last night’s game was, by far, the most interesting game of the three.

For starters, fans knew it was going to be a fun pitching matchup between Peterson and Fried, both of whom have gotten off to very good starts for their team. And they both delivered, each going six strong innings and working out of a couple of jams. With regards to Fried, he definitely did not pitch his best game this season, but he gave the Yankees yet another quality start, which is all I can ask for.

The Yankee bullpen, once again, came on and pitched very well. Jonathan Loaisiga looks very good and Devin Williams look as if he is starting to get comfortable in the Bronx. It was a bit of a lengthy appearance for Hill, but he came on and got the job done to close out the game.

But I believe a lot of the Yankee bullpen success is a ripple effect from the starting rotation. The starters are giving Aaron Boone innings, which, in effect, is putting less strain on the bullpen. Hopefully, they can continue to go the distance and save the bullpen for the later part of the regular season into the post-season. But so far, I am liking what I am seeing.

And how can I not discuss Bellinger? He got off to a slow start this season, but he is starting to hit. And not only is he starting to hit, but he is picking up where players such as Grisham and Ben Rice are starting to slow down some at the plate. Everybody does not need to be hitting well at the exact same time, but if there are a couple of players who are hot at all times, this team has a chance to win a lot of games.

Even throughout his offensive struggles, Bellinger has done a fine job in the outfield. Hopefully, Bellinger can put those early season blues behind him and just continue to improve as the season goes on.

Overall, this was a great win for the Yankees before they enjoy an off-day. New York Knicks’ fans had a reason to celebrate Friday night, and Yankees’ fans who are also fans of the Knicks have yet another reason to celebrate. What a fun weekend of baseball to watch, but it was even better that the Yankees came out on top.

What’s Next?:

The Yankees will have an off-day today and will be back in action tomorrow night against the Texas Rangers. Patrick Corbin is scheduled to start for the Rangers, while Will Warren is expected to take the mound for the Yankees. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. EST from Yankee Stadium.