The New York Yankees host the New York Mets on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Yankee Stadium for a 1:35 PM ET first pitch. Gerrit Cole takes the ball for the Bombers against Mets right-hander Zac Thornton in what shapes up as a marquee Subway Series matchup with regular season standings implications still in play. The game airs on YES Network, SNY, and MLB Network, with radio coverage on WFAN 660/101.9 FM for Yankees fans. If you need one reason to tune in, it's this: Cole on a September afternoon at home is must-see baseball.

Starting Pitchers: Gerrit Cole vs. Zac Thornton

Gerrit Cole is the story on the mound. The Yankees ace is one of the most dominant starters in the American League, and when he takes the hill at Yankee Stadium, the lineup has a chance to let the game breathe. Cole's combination of elite stuff and competitive fire makes him the anchor of this rotation, and a September start against a crosstown rival carries extra weight.

On the other side, the Mets send Zac Thornton to face the Yankees. Thornton is a name worth watching — anytime a pitcher steps into a Subway Series environment at Yankee Stadium, it's a legitimate proving ground. The onus is on the Yankees lineup to make Thornton uncomfortable early and force the Mets bullpen into action.

Yankees Starting Lineup

• 1. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
• 2. Aaron Judge, DH
• 3. Cody Bellinger, LF
• 4. Heliot Ramos, RF
• 5. Amed Rosario, 3B
• 6. Spencer Jones, CF
• 7. George Lombard Jr., SS
• 8. Anthony Volpe, 2B
• 9. Austin Wells, C

Keys to Watch

Aaron Judge in the Two-Hole

Judge hitting second is a lineup construction worth tracking. Slotted behind Goldschmidt, Judge sees his share of fastballs with a dangerous hitter in front of him. Pitchers can't dance around the situation — they have to attack, and that's exactly the environment Judge thrives in.

Heliot Ramos Batting Fourth

Ramos drawing the cleanup spot is a significant vote of confidence. He has the chance to do real damage against a less-experienced arm in Thornton. Keep an eye on how Ramos handles the first look at Thornton's stuff — that at-bat could set the tone for the middle of this order.

Cole's Command and Efficiency

On a Saturday afternoon with the full Yankee Stadium crowd behind him, Cole's ability to work deep into the game matters. A quality start of six-plus innings keeps the bullpen fresh heading into the final weeks of the regular season. Watch his first-inning work — it typically sets the tempo for everything that follows.

Spencer Jones and George Lombard Jr. in the Bottom Third

The six-seven-eight-nine stretch of this lineup features Jones, Lombard Jr., Volpe, and Wells. Getting production from that group takes pressure off the middle of the order and extends at-bats against Thornton. Any day the bottom of the lineup contributes is a good day for the Yankees.

Prediction

Cole at home against a relatively unknown arm is a favorable matchup on paper. The Yankees lineup has enough firepower from top to bottom to put crooked numbers on the board early. Give the edge to New York — Cole controls the pace, Judge and Ramos do damage, and the Bombers take this one in front of a loud Yankee Stadium crowd. Yankees 5, Mets 2.