DETROIT – Juan Soto had a stellar night, tying his career high with six RBIs, thanks to a grand slam and a tie-breaking triple, leading the New York Mets to a 10-8 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Monday.
Soto’s home run in the fourth inning, hit against pitcher Charlie Morton, put the Mets ahead 6-3. After a tie by Detroit, Soto shone again with a triple that extended the lead to 8-6, against Drew Sommers, who suffered his first loss in the big leagues.
Soto, with 36 home runs this season, demonstrated his ability to perform in key moments. His previous home runs had been solo shots or two-run homers. His performance with runners in scoring position has been impressive, with a batting average of .423 and an OPS of 1.446 since August 1st.
The Mets solidify their position, maintaining a four-game lead over Cincinnati in the fight for the last National League wild card spot. For their part, Detroit, who began the day with a considerable lead in the American League Central Division, could not keep up the pace.
On the Detroit side, Jahmai Jones had an outstanding performance with four hits, including a home run on Sean Manaea’s first pitch. Wenceel Pérez also contributed with a two-run homer that gave Detroit a temporary 3-2 lead in the third inning.
After Soto’s home run, Zach McKinstry hit a run-scoring triple in the bottom of the fourth, later scoring on a single by Jones. Spencer Torkelson tied the game in the fifth inning on a wild pitch by Ryne Stanek.
Edwin Díaz secured the victory for the Mets, retiring four batters and earning his 25th save in 27 opportunities.
Manaea, for his part, allowed five runs and eight hits in 3⅔ innings, raising his ERA to 7.81 in his last six starts. The Mets have conceded double digits in hits in four consecutive games.
