Cody Bellinger and Ben Rice Power Yankees Past Mets With FDNY Bats on 9/11 Anniversary
Cody Bellinger hit a crucial three-run home run and Ben Rice added another deep drive, both swinging custom-made, blue-and-white FDNY Louisville Slugger bats, as the New York Yankees defeated the New York Mets 6-4 on Friday night at Yankee Stadium to open a three-game Subway Series.
The victory came on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, adding profound emotional resonance to a game played just miles from downtown Manhattan. Bellinger’s second-inning blast off Mets starter Nolan McLean nearly didn’t happen. On the preceding 3-1 pitch, Bellinger started walking toward first base assuming the pitch missed the strike zone, only to realize too late that he had missed his window to challenge the call. Forced back into the box with a full count, Bellinger sent a low curveball over the right-field wall to push the Yankees ahead 4-1.
“I’m glad I didn’t do it,” Bellinger said with a smile.
Honoring First Responders on the 25th Anniversary
The bats used by Bellinger and Rice carried deep personal significance. Bellinger’s father, Clay Bellinger, played for the 2001 Yankees team and is currently a firefighter in Arizona. While Bellinger noted he wasn’t certain if being present in New York during the 2001 attacks directly influenced his father’s career path, the outfielder understood the importance of honoring first responders. “Pretty surreal day now to be here,” Bellinger said.
A few innings after Bellinger’s home run, Rice connected with his own FDNY Louisville Slugger bat, overcoming initial concerns regarding whether white paint on the handle would clear pre-game equipment inspections. Following the final out, Bellinger and Rice discussed various options for the commemorative bats in the Yankees clubhouse. While teammate Ryan McMahon also received a shipment of FDNY bats but did not use one in the opener, Bellinger floated the idea of signing and donating them to a New York City firehouse, whereas Rice considered auctioning them off to benefit a foundation supporting firefighters or 9/11 victims.
“We were super thankful that they sent us those, just to recognize them on a day when that really matters to the city,” Rice said.
Standings Context and Pitching Performance
According to Noticias al Día y a la Hora, the victory improved the Yankees’ record to 85-62, marking their 17th win in 24 games and putting them a season-high 23 games over .500. Rookie Spencer Jones contributed an RBI single in the first inning, and Ryan McMahon added an RBI single in the eighth to help secure the win. The victory kept the Yankees three games behind Tampa Bay in the American League East while extending their lead over Boston for the top AL Wild Card spot to 5.5 games.
On the mound, Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodón pitched 6 1/3 innings—his longest outing of the season—allowing two runs and three hits while striking out eight batters. Two of those strikeouts came against former Yankees slugger Juan Soto, who faced boos from the home crowd prior to each plate appearance. For the Mets, Christopher Morel contributed an RBI groundout in the second inning, and A.J. Ewing added an RBI single in the seventh before opening the ninth inning with a leadoff home run.
Next Up in the Subway Series
Fans can follow official MLB box scores and local broadcast updates for confirmed starting lineups and game times.
