Rodón earns first Yanks win in Subway Series debut

NEW YORK -- Carlos Rodón wanted one more batter, pleading his case as he stood atop the Yankee Stadium mound in the sixth inning on Wednesday. That request was bypassed, with manager Aaron Boone raising his right hand toward the bullpen, but the Yankees are ready to see their left-hander author a few more starts like this.

Rodón turned in his strongest outing as a Bomber thus far, permitting one run over 5 2/3 innings to pick up his first win in pinstripes as the Yankees secured a split of this season’s Subway Series with a 3-1 victory over the Mets in the Bronx.

“I would have taken it about three starts ago, but it’s nice to have it now and finally get that out of the way,” Rodón said. “We can build off this start and see where we can go from there.”

Oswald Peraza, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Anthony Volpe drove in early runs off Mets starter José Quintana as the Yankees won for the fourth time in five games, setting up a key showdown this weekend against the American League East-leading Orioles in Baltimore that could include Aaron Judge’s return.

“I think we’re getting the big guy back, so I’m really excited and we’ll see what happens,” Kiner-Falefa said. “His presence when he’s not even playing is huge, so to have him back in the lineup, it’s going to be a good feeling. I think the guys are going to be a little more confident. He brings energy, and he really sets the tone.”

Boone said he did not know if Judge would be active for the Orioles series, though he noted that the reigning American League MVP traveled back to New York from Tampa, Fla., during Wednesday’s game.

Rodón had pitched to an 0-3 record and a 7.36 ERA through his first three starts with the Yankees, after signing a six-year, $162 million contract this past offseason.

His season debut delayed by injuries, Rodón’s first impressions included a frustrating start last week in which he blew a kiss to a jeering fan seated above the Angel Stadium visiting dugout.

“It’s not been an easy road here since Spring Training, trying to get back,” Boone said. “That’s hurt him, because he wants to be out there. He knows he was brought here to be a big part of this team, and it took longer for him to get back than he would have liked. I think that ate at him a lot.”

No air smooches (or any other gestures) were necessary on Wednesday, as Rodón showcased improved command with his fastball and slider while limiting the Mets to Brandon Nimmo’s third-inning sacrifice fly.

“The goal today was just pounding the zone,” Rodón said. “It’s a good hitting lineup. The Mets are a good team. Their record doesn’t show it, but they are a good team. Their lineup is strong from top to bottom.”

Rodón scattered four hits and three walks while striking out four, the most crucial of which was a swinging punchout of Pete Alonso that stranded two men aboard in the fifth inning, prompting a primal howl from the hurler.

“Rodón looked awesome,” Kiner-Falefa said. “I feel like this was his first real big game in New York, and he came through for us. It was a big ‘Welcome to New York’ moment. He’s a bulldog out there, and that’s the energy we need. It’s fun to play behind him.”

Added Harrison Bader, who went 3-for-4 with two runs scored: “He mentioned after the game that it was his first win in eight months due to injury, so it’s good to have him back. You never take those wins for granted.”

Rodón argued his case to stay in the game after 93 pitches, and though Boone entertained him, the manager was not swayed. Rodón understood, and unlike the start in Anaheim, his path toward the dugout was accompanied by cheers.

“It was nice to have the fans happy with the performance,” Rodón said.

The Yankees’ bullpen, a leaky concern of late, sealed the lead tightly. Michael King (1/3 IP), Wandy Peralta (1 IP), Tommy Kahnle (1 IP) and Clay Holmes (1 IP) combined to retire all 10 batters they faced, with Holmes nailing down his 14th save.

“At this point, every game, we’ve got to win,” Kiner-Falefa said. “It feels good to beat the Mets, for sure. But at the same time, we’ve got to take care of business. We’ve just got to win games.”