The New York Mets and New York Yankees were locked in a tie through eight innings in the final game of their series on Sunday.
But everything unraveled after a costly mistake by Pete Alonso.
The Yankees capitalized on a throwing error by the Mets’ first baseman in the eighth, sparking a six-run inning that led to an 8-2 victory and a Subway Series win.
Following the loss, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza criticized Alonso for the misplay.
Pete Alonso Takes Blame
With the score tied 2-2 in the bottom of the eighth inning on May 18, the Yankees had runners on second and third. Mets first baseman Pete Alonso fielded a sharp grounder from rookie Jorbit Vivas and looked home as Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez broke for the plate.
Although Alonso seemed to have enough time to get Dominguez out, his throw missed the mark and sailed to the backstop, allowing the Yankees to take the lead.
Yankees Broke Game Open After Pete Alonso Error
Jorbit Vivas, who entered the game as a defensive replacement, made the most of his opportunity at the plate in the eighth inning. After the game, he told reporters that he was simply trying to make contact against Mets reliever Ryan Stanek, known for his high velocity.
“He’s throwing 100 mph, so I wasn’t trying to do too much,” Vivas said, according to the New York Daily News. “I just wanted to put the ball in play and contribute.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised the rookie’s approach but also suggested that Jasson Dominguez might have scored even if Pete Alonso’s throw had been accurate.
“What an at-bat,” Boone said. “You could see him make the adjustment. A few pitches in, he settled down and locked in.
“We definitely caught a break with the errant throw, but Jasson was flying down the line.”
Alonso’s error sparked a big inning for the Yankees, who had struggled offensively until that point. Paul Goldschmidt followed with an RBI single, and Cody Bellinger delivered the knockout blow—a grand slam off Mets reliever Genesis Cabrera.
Even with the tough loss, the Mets held onto a slim lead over the surging Phillies in the NL East. The defeat dropped them to 29-18, tying them with the Dodgers for the most wins in the National League.
The Yankees, meanwhile, extended their AL East lead over the Red Sox, improving to 27-19 with the victory.