Mets Rout Yankees 12-2 as Cole Surrenders Three Home Runs in Subway Series

Key points

• Mets won 12-2 with six home runs, including a grand slam from Francisco Lindor.
• Zac Thornton pitched seven innings, allowing only two runs, both by Cody Bellinger.
• Gerrit Cole gave up three home runs in 4 1/3 innings, his worst two-start stretch in his career.
• Mets have gone 22-13 since the August 3 trade deadline, despite being out of playoff contention.
• Yankees designated Chase Hampton for assignment to clear roster space for Aaron Judge's return.

Background

The Yankees have been dealing with pitching inconsistencies, particularly from Gerrit Cole, who has struggled with home run issues since returning from Tommy John surgery. Aaron Judge recently returned from a 99-day absence due to a rib fracture, and the team has been easing him back into action. The Mets, meanwhile, have been on a strong post-trade deadline run, going 22-13 since August 3, despite being out of playoff contention.

How outlets are covering it

Pinstripe Alley and The Athletic emphasize Gerrit Cole's home run problem, noting that he surrendered seven home runs in his last two starts, the most in his career. The Athletic also highlights that Cole and manager Aaron Boone maintain that health is not an issue. Amazin' Avenue and Newsday focus on the Mets' strong performance, with Newsday highlighting the team's 22-13 record since the trade deadline and the impact of Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto playing together. Pinstripe Alley also notes that Cody Bellinger's return has helped the Yankees' offense, while Amazin' Avenue mentions the Mets' strong defense and Zac Thornton's impressive pitching.

Why it matters

The game highlights the Yankees' pitching struggles, particularly from Gerrit Cole, as they prepare for the postseason. The Mets' strong performance, despite being out of playoff contention, shows the impact of their post-trade deadline acquisitions and the potential of their young players. The game also underscores the importance of the Subway Series, even for teams not in playoff contention.

What to watch

The Yankees will need to address Gerrit Cole's pitching issues before the postseason. The Mets will continue to play out the regular season, with their next game against the Yankees featuring American League Cy Young favorite Cam Schlittler. The Yankees will also need to manage Aaron Judge's return and ensure that their pitching staff is ready for the postseason.