The Mets had scratched, using a makeshift pitching alignment, to remain in this game on Friday and there was McNeil to detonate the last needed fireworks barrage.

Left fielder Brandon Nimmo responded with a lead-off double. He was followed by right fielder Juan Soto, who was looking to exact revenge on his former team after an abysmal first go-around where he went 1-for-10 in the Bronx — and he did.

Jeff McNeil hit a go-ahead, two-run homer off Luke Weaver in the seventh inning, leading the New York Mets over the Yankees 6-5 in a Subway Series opener between teams that faded badly after strong starts.