Juan Soto smashed a three-run home run during the seventh inning, lifting the New York Yankees to a 5-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.
The ball soared high into the right field stands, and Soto watched it closely as it flew 409 feet off Chris Devenski’s pitch, putting the Yankees ahead 5-1. Soto has been impressive this season, hitting .347 with five home runs and 20 RBIs since joining the Yankees.
“I didn’t see it because I was watching where it was headed,” commented manager Aaron Boone on Soto’s reaction. “Out of the five homers, that’s the first one where he crushed it.”
When Soto homers, the Yankees tend to win; they’ve secured victories in all five games where he’s hit one. His performance with runners in scoring position has also been stellar, hitting .563 with three home runs and 17 RBIs. This latest home run marked the Yankees’ seventh comeback win.
Soto’s consistency at the plate has been impressive, reaching base safely in 12 consecutive games and in 18 out of his first 20 games with the Yankees.
“My approach is simple,” Soto said. “I just focus on getting a good pitch and driving it to help the team.”
In addition to his offensive prowess, Soto showcased his defensive skills with a leaping catch at the right field wall, denying Richie Palacios a possible home run in the third inning.
“It’s not surprising,” commented Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt on Soto’s performance. “He’s a special player, always coming through in big moments.”
The Rays attempted a late rally in the eighth inning, with Issac Paredes hitting a two-run single off Ian Hamilton. However, Clay Holmes managed through a tense ninth inning, securing his eighth save in nine chances.
Former Yankee Ben Rortvedt and Yandy Díaz started the ninth inning with singles, followed by a pop fly from Randy Arozarena that narrowly eluded Aaron Judge’s reach in shallow center field.
