The New York Yankees have avoided a sweep in the Subway Series finale, ending a six-game losing streak that cost them the top spot in the American League East.

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.

The Yankees are playing sloppy baseball, and the Mets already have slugged their way to a Subway Series victory before Sunday’s finale. The Mets thoroughly outplayed the Yankees again in a 12-6 dusting in front of 41,401 on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in which the sun appropriately shined longer on the Mets’ dugout.