Cody Bellinger hit a three-run homer in the second inning off rookie Nolan McLean, and the New York Yankees beat the New York Mets 6-4 on Friday night.
Ben Rice also homered for the Yankees. Rookie Spencer Jones added an RBI single in the first inning, and Ryan McMahon hit an RBI single in the eighth.
The Yankees won for the 17th time in 24 games and moved a season-high 23 games over .500. The victory came on a night the team remembered the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Carlos Rodón, the Yankees' left-hander, allowed two runs and three hits in a season-high 6 1/3 innings. He recorded eight strikeouts, including two on slugger Juan Soto.
The Yankees remained three games behind Tampa Bay in the AL East standings and moved 5 1/2 games ahead of Boston for the first American League wild card spot.