Aug 13, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Chicago White Sox during the seventh inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
On a remarkable Tuesday night in Chicago, Juan Soto took center stage as he powered the New York Yankees to a 4-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox with three homers. Soto highlighted the night with his first career three-homer game, carrying the Yankees to victory and propelling them to the top of the American League East standings.
The Power Surge
Soto started his dominant performance in the third inning with a two-run homer off White Sox starter Jonathan Cannon, giving the Yankees an early lead. He followed up with a solo home run in the fifth inning, and in the seventh inning, he completed his trio of homers with another solo shot, this time off left-handed reliever Fraser Ellard.
Soto’s Focus and Manager’s Praise
The Yankees’ slugger was focused on his approach at the plate. “I’ve been working on just trying to be accurate to the ball,” Soto said during a postgame interview. His meticulous preparation paid off as all three home runs were crucial in giving the Yankees the edge. Yankees manager Aaron Boone was full of praise for Soto’s incredible display, calling it one of the best seasons he’s ever seen.
Cortes’ Stellar Performance
Yankees starter Nestor Cortes also shined, delivering seven shutout innings and matching his season-high with nine strikeouts. Despite missing the chance for a record-tying fourth home run, Soto’s dominance was the key to the Yankees’ victory.
White Sox Struggles
Luis Robert Jr. drove in a consolation run for the White Sox in the eighth inning, but it wasn’t enough to challenge the Yankees’ lead. In what was a disappointing night for the White Sox, who had recently been on a losing streak, Soto’s heroics sealed their fate.
Yankees Move to the Top of the Division
With the win, the Yankees regained the top spot in the division, edging ahead of the Baltimore Orioles. The three homers by Juan Soto has solidified his place as one of the game’s premier hitters, with Yankees teammate Aaron Judge labeling him “the greatest hitter in the game.” Soto’s performance underscores his status as one of baseball’s brightest stars, and his timely hitting is giving the Yankees the push they need as they eye a deep postseason run.
