The Mets then cut it to 5-4 in the bottom of the sixth. Fried exited at 98 pitches after his first of the inning hit Brandon Nimmo and then pinch-hitters Mauricio and Baty greeted reliever Jonathan Loaisiga with singles to load the bases.

NEW YORK — Here were the Yankees at their best: the lineup smashing homers and doubles early, the ace and bullpen surviving a rocky middle, the fielders making clutch, heady plays to save the day. After a week in the wilderness, the Yankees found their way to the clearing of Monday’s off day. They are bruised but breathing.

Overall, the Yankees and Mets split their six head-to-head games this season, with the Yankees taking two of three during their series in the Bronx in May.