Early Pitchers’ Duel Ends with a One‐sided #Yankee Win over #Mets in Final Subway Series Game
By Howard Goldin
QUEENS, NEW YORK (SPORTS)- As they had in the three game Subway Series in April, the Yankees again captured the September version two games to one. As was predicted by many, the three important contests were sold out and a playoff atmosphere was felt throughout the ballpark. Many fans were attired in Yankees pinstripes or the orange and blue of the Mets. Many chanted and cheered for their respective favorite team while traveling on the #7 train or walking toward Citi Field.
The fans of both teams were treated to a true pitchers’ duel for the first five innings. Yankees veteran hurler CC Sabathia, 35, ran into trouble immediately as the first two Mets batters, Ruben Tejada and David Wright doubled. Wright’s double drove in the first and only run Sabathia yielded. He also walked two batters in that frame, but surrendered no additional runs and only three isolated hits in the next five innings he pitched to earn his fifth win of the season.
Sabathia has held opposition batters to a .190 average since his return from the disabled list. He expressed his pleasure since coming back, “To be able to help the team out and try to get wins, just to be healthy enough first of all and to be able to go out and do it, it feels good.”
Mets starter Matt Harvey, 26, was nearly unhittable during his five inning stint. He blanked the Yanks, giving up only an infield single to Brett Gardner in the third. He fanned seven of the 15 Yankees who were retired, throwing 51 strikes of his 77 pitches.
Despite his superlative pitching, as had happened several times previously this season, Harvey was the subject of controversy. After the 11‐2 defeat by the Yankees, many reporters questioned Mets skipper Terry Collins and Harvey regarding the reasons for Harvey’s early departure.
The veteran baseball manager appeared uncomfortable with the situation. He stated Harvey’s removal should not have been a surprise as “everybody knew Matt was going out early’ and was based on pitch count and preparation for the post‐season. It was the second straight start in which Harvey threw 77 pitches or less.
After not having given up a run for the ninth time in his 27 starts, Harvey seemed defensive and stressed his desire to be on the mound, “I want to be out there and pitch for the Mets. The last thing I want to do, especially in a close game like that, is to come out. I’m going to be ready for my next start, whenever it is.” When Harvey will pitch again and for how many innings is not apparent.
Had the Mets pen men not totally faltered, there may have not been a controversy. The Yankees took complete advantage of the Mets secondary relievers, obtaining eight hits, drawing six walks and, most importantly, scoring 11 runs in the final four frames.
The meaningful win of the Yanks coupled again with a Toronto loss cut the Blue Jays American League East lead to 2.5 games. The Yankees, with increased confidence, now travel to Toronto for a crucial three game series before returning to Yankee Stadium on Thursday. The magic number of the Mets to clinch the national League East pennant still remains at eight.
