The New York Yankees and the New York Mets kicked off a three-game set on Friday night at Citi Field. This series has major playoff implications for both squads, with the Yankees attempting to hold onto the second wild card spot in the American League while the Mets try to make up ground either in the division or in the wild card race.
The Mets were victorious in the series opener, downing the Yankees by an 10-3 final (box score). Below, you can either relive CBS Sports' live blog coverage or check out four things to know about Friday's game.
1. Sloppy Yankees drop seventh in a row
The Yankees entered Friday night riding a six-game losing streak. It's now up to seven thanks to a sloppy and largely uninspired effort.
The Yankees jumped ahead early, taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Starter Jordan Montgomery, who was inefficient all night, subsequently allowed three hits in the bottom half of the inning, with none looming larger than a Javier Báez single to left field. It's not enough to note that Báez's single tied it because it shouldn't have. Outfielder Joey Gallo made a strong, accurate throw home that gave catcher Gary Sánchez ample time to make a good tag. Sánchez failed at his task.
The Yankees would again regain the lead in the second on a Gallo home run. Yet it was all downhill from there, and not in a good way.
The Mets scorched Montgomery and the Yankees for five runs in the bottom of the third. Pete Alonso drew a bases-loaded walk to tie the game. Báez then benefited from another defensive miscue, this time by Gio Urshela, to reach on a throwing error and give the Mets a 3-2 lead. Jeff McNeil reached and plated another on a bunt single, and the Mets eventually took a 6-2 lead after Kevin Pillar hit a sacrifice fly and James McCann doubled in a run.
The Mets added two more runs in the fourth -- one on a Francisco Lindor home run, another on a Báez double -- and two runs in the seventh as the game moved into boat-race territory.
2. Yankees maintain in AL wild card position
The Yankees entered Friday a half-game ahead of the Toronto Blue Jays for the second wild card spot. The Blue Jays lost to the Baltimore Orioles, meaning that the Yankees will maintain that lead for at least another day. The Blue Jays and Orioles are scheduled to play two on Saturday before concluding their series on Sunday.
3. Mets keep slim playoff chances alive behind Megill
The Mets entered the night five games back in both the National League East and National League wild card races. It's fair to write that they're facing a severely uphill battle as it pertains to making the postseason. To wit, SportsLine's forecast had them with just a 3.3 percent shot entering the night.
Nevertheless, the Mets took advantage of the Yankees and easily won a game that they should have. If they're going to somehow make it to October, they can't afford to look a gift horse in the mouth or otherwise fumble what should be a certain victory.
Mets rookie starter Tylor Megill deserves plenty of credit for the Mets' win, by the way. He held the Yankees to two runs on four hits and a walk. He also struck out 10 batters, delivering 60 of his 98 pitches for strikes.
4. 9/11 game on deck
The Yankees and Mets will continue their series on Saturday, on what's certain to be an emotional day, as it'll mark 20 years since the September 11 terrorist attacks. The game will be aired on Fox and will feature numerous tributes to that unforgettable day. Our own Mike Axisa outlined five things to know about the game, including the charities that stand to benefit and who will be throwing out the first pitch.