NEW YORK, July 6, 2025
Double Play of the Year? Bellinger’s heroics save the Yankees from Subway Series sweep
A stunning defensive play ends a brutal losing streak.
- Cody Bellinger made an improbable catch and throw for a double play in the 7th inning.
- The Yankees defeated the Mets 6-4, snapping a six-game losing streak.
- The win prevented the Toronto Blue Jays from increasing their lead in the AL East.
On Sunday, **what key play helped the Yankees secure a much-needed win against the Mets?** The answer is Cody Bellinger’s spectacular shoestring catch and lightning-fast throw to first base, resulting in a momentum-shifting double play during the seventh inning.
The New York Yankees were on the verge of another disheartening loss when Juan Soto ripped a line drive to left field in the seventh inning. The game, played Sunday at Citi Field, hung precariously in the balance.
Mets Rally Threatens
The New York Mets, trailing by two runs, were mounting a serious rally. Francisco Lindor was perched on first base, Pete Alonso was ready to bat, and Brandon Nimmo waited in the on-deck circle. The heart of the Mets’ batting order was primed to strike.
Considering the Yankees’ recent struggles – a Subway Series sweep and a six-game losing streak – a collapse seemed almost inevitable. The air crackled with anticipation.
Bellinger’s Heroics
Then, Cody Bellinger intervened. He sprinted toward Soto’s scorching 105 mph line drive, snaring it just inches from the ground. In one fluid motion, he unleashed an 89.9 mph throw to first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, completing the stunning double play and helping the Yankees clinch a 6-4 victory.
“Considering the context of this week and everything,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said, “that’s probably our play of the year so far.”
“I saw it in the air and had a really good beat on it,” Bellinger said, who also contributed at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double and a walk.
The Mets challenged the catch, but the initial call was upheld.
“That was incredible,” Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge said, who himself had a memorable day with his 33rd home run of the season in the fifth inning. “I’ve never seen something like that on the field.”
Yankees’ Defensive Woes
Poor defense had plagued the Yankees recently. Physical miscues, mental lapses, and near-disasters had become commonplace, undermining the pitching staff and negating the offense’s production.
This combination resulted in the team’s second six-game losing streak in three weeks, leaving them three games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League East standings.
The Blue Jays continued their surge with another win Sunday, extending their winning streak to seven games and maintaining their division lead. Bellinger’s clutch play ensured that the lead wouldn’t grow even larger.
“That was an unbelievable play,” Goldschmidt said. “Amazing catch and absolute cannon to me at first. To make that play was a game-changing play and potentially game-winning play for us today. And we needed it.”
