Oct. 26 Its the Mets, in a nail-biter.

Well, in public preference at least. The Yankees have the edge in the World Series, but the Mets can claim a slight edge in public support. By a four-point margin, Americans are pulling for the Amazins to shut down the Bronx Bombers.

Four points isnt much, mind you. But a ladies night at Shea Stadium might be in order: Its women who prefer the Mets over the defending champs, by a seven-point margin. Men divide evenly.

Still, the country is not exactly enthralled by the first New York Subway Series in 44 years. More than a quarter of Americans dont care which team wins. The Yanks are backed by more Northeasterners, while more Southerners and Westerners are rooting for the Mets. And naturally, more Northeasterners feel strongly about their preference: Forty-nine percent of Northeasterners have a strong favorite, compared to 33 percent of Americans elsewhere.

METHODOLOGY This ABCNEWS.com survey was conducted by telephone Oct. 20-24, 2000, among a random national sample of 1,028 adults. The results have a three-point error margin. Fieldwork by ICR-International Communications Research of Media, Pa.