Jeff McNeil experienced an emotional homecoming at Citi Field Friday night, facing his former teammates for the first time since his December trade from the Mets to the Athletics. The third baseman received a video tribute and a standing ovation before settling in to deliver at the plate, going 2 for 4 with an RBI single in the ninth.

McNeil, the 2022 NL batting champion drafted by New York in 2013, admitted feeling choked up during the pre-game ceremony. After settling himself following a tough first at-bat, he doubled in the fourth and later singled to drive in a run during a three-run ninth inning burst. The final score stood at 4-0.

Oakland’s victory meant they completed a rare feat, becoming the first team to shut out both the Yankees and the Mets on consecutive days, according to Sportradar data. McNeil's solid performance helped secure the win, effectively allowing him to move past the initial emotional hurdle of facing the organization where he spent his entire career until the recent David Stearns overhaul.

He secured the win after his earlier defensive play robbed a hit in the fifth frame. The A's successfully navigated a tricky scheduling spot, winning on the road against a division rival.