Yankees, Mets Kick Off Subway Series

"Pride, tradition and honor," is how right fielder Nick Swisher sums up the thrill he gets playing baseball for the New York Yankees.

Just one day after the Yankees offense exploded for 13 runs in their second consecutive win against the Baltimore Orioles, Swisher and the rest of the team were less than thrilled when their offensive troubles returned with a vengeance. Friday night's 2-1 loss against the Mets kicked off the Subway Series between the New York franchises. Despite solid pitching by Freddie Garcia, the Yankees struggled mightily at the plate, scrounging up just 4 hits, including a solo home run my Mark Teixeira, his 11th of the season. Daniel Murphy homered for the Mets.

Yankees fans were hoping that the slugfest they witnessed in Baltimore was the beginning of the team's return to form. Derek Jeter's .259 season average falls well below his career numbers, while DH Jorge Posada continues to struggle at the plate, batting a dismal .178. Swisher has also been afflicted by a fair share of slumps this season with only two home runs and 19 RBI to date. No Yankee is batting over .300; Robinson Cano leads the pinstripe pack at .280.

Starting pitching has been consistent for the Yankees as of late, with strong outings from Bartolo Colon and C.C. Sabathia contributing to both wins in Baltimore.

Never at a loss for words, Swisher remains optimistic that the Yankees will ride out the turbulence and find the run production they are capable of. "Sailors never perfected their crafts sailing smooth water," he stated before Friday's game.

The Yankees hold a 45-34 all-time record over their city rivals from Queens. The teams first met in 1997, when interleague play was introduced in the major leagues. Their most famous meeting came in 2000, when the Yankees won their 26th championship against the Mets, besting them in five games in the World Series.

The Subway Series continues on tonight at 7:10 p.m. and Sunday at 1:10 p.m. The teams do battle once more this season, when the Mets host the Yankees at Shea Stadium in a three-game series beginning July 1.