The fireworks came early on the Fourth of July, and Juan Soto’s team-leading 21st home run was just the beginning.

As soon as the Major League Baseball schedule was released last year, the Fourth of July jumped off the page. In addition to the usual pomp and circumstance of the holiday weekend, the schedule promised a Subway Series matchup between the Mets and Yankees.

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 st