Soto Overpowers Gore After Homer: Mets Comeback with Dominican Star

Juan Soto regains his rhythm. After a complicated May that lowered his batting average to .224, the Mets of New York slugger has shown a remarkable resurgence. In his last four games, Soto has hit eight hits, showing clear signs of recovery.

Duel on the field

On Tuesday night at Citi Field, Soto hit a home run that created a tense moment on the field. Around the bases, Soto exchanged glances with Washington Nationals pitcher MacKenzie Gore.

“We were greeting each other. That’s all,” Soto commented with a smile, drawing laughter from those present.

Juan Soto

This confrontation has a history behind it, as both players were part of a trade in 2022. Gore, the Major League leader in strikeouts with 114, also commented on the situation.

“We always have this dynamic. Nothing bad, he just dominated me,” Gore said.

MacKenzie Gore

Soto also connected a crucial double and made a throw from right field to help New York secure a 5-4 victory in 10 innings. In his last 10 games, Soto has hit four home runs, totaling 12 in his first season with the Mets, after signing a record contract of $765 million for 15 years. The four-time All-Star, who contributed to the Nationals’ victory in the 2019 World Series, has reached base in his last 12 games, with a batting average of .341, eight RBIs, and an OPS of 1.225 during that period. On Sunday, Soto had an outstanding performance against Colorado, getting three hits, three walks, and scoring three runs in a 13-5 victory, reaching base six times in a game for the first time in his career. However, in his first at-bat on Tuesday night, Soto was struck out by Gore, who threw him three consecutive sliders. In the third episode, Soto got even, connecting a 2-2 slider 373 feet away for a solo home run that reduced New York’s deficit to 3-2. “It was just a great swing. Like I said, another mistake. I was waiting for mistakes. He made a mistake and I put the ball in play,” Soto declared.