The New York Mets defeated the New York Yankees 9-7 in the first game of the 2024 Subway Series, with Mark Vientos hitting two solo home runs off Yankees ace Gerrit Cole. Vientos' performance has solidified his position at third base, as he continues to impress with a .297 average and a .925 OPS. Despite a wobbly bullpen and key injuries, the Mets have relied on strong offensive production, winning 14 of their last 18 games. The Yankees have reasons for concern as Cole, their rotation leader, struggled in his second start since returning from injury, giving up six earned runs and four home runs in just four innings. The Mets' recent success is attributed to effective game planning and a collaborative clubhouse environment, with veterans and coaches actively sharing strategies. The game also highlighted ongoing drama in the baseball world, including the Padres-Nationals rivalry and college baseball controversies.