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Jeff McNeil Sends Message After Mets' Win Over Yankees

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Tyrese Alleyne-Davis | Last updated Jul 5, 2025 7:17 PM ET

On a day defined by fireworks—both in the sky and at the plate—Jeff McNeil delivered a two-way performance that ignited the New York Mets to a thrilling 6-5 win over the New York Yankees at Citi Field.

What began as a highly anticipated Fourth of July showdown between two slumping clubs turned into a gritty, back-and-forth battle that underscored the intensity of the Subway Series. And when the moment came to tip the balance, it was McNeil—a player whose role had been under scrutiny since returning from a hand injury—who rose to the occasion.

In the bottom of the seventh, with the Mets trailing by one and Pete Alonso drawing a walk against Yankees reliever Luke Weaver, McNeil worked a full count before unloading on an 87 mph changeup. The two-run blast—his ninth of the season—landed deep in the second deck in right field, flipping the momentum and giving the Mets a 6–5 lead they would not relinquish.

“The homer was sick,” McNeil told SNY after the game. “I love hitting homers. I don’t hit that many, especially in those situations, so to be able to do it—I enjoyed that one.”

"I feel like I don't hit that many home runs in that situation, so to be able to do it, I enjoyed that one"

Jeff McNeil talks about how he felt after his 7th-inning home run: pic.twitter.com/mhvsGIpewX
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 4, 2025

McNeil’s heroics didn’t end there. With two outs in the ninth and the Yankees threatening, DJ LeMahieu hit a high chopper that could’ve extended the inning. But McNeil, showcasing the defensive instincts that have made him a Gold Glove-caliber player, laid out to smother the ball, scrambled to his feet, and fired to first for the out. It was a game-saving sequence in a contest that demanded every ounce of resilience.

His all-around impact was a reassuring sign for a Mets team that had questioned whether McNeil could regain his form following the injury. Thursday’s game offered a loud answer: his bat speed, timing, and situational awareness are returning at the right time.

With the Mets now having taken the opener of this three-game set, they’ve evened the season series with the Yankees at two games apiece and extended their win streak to three. And in a contest that featured six total home runs, it was McNeil’s that truly swung the pendulum in favor of Queens.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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