Juan Soto’s era in the Bronx got off to a hot start.
The New York Yankees earned a 5-4 victory over their arch-rival Houston Astros on Opening Day, but it probably wouldn’t have happened without their newest superstar.
The Yankees acquired the perennial MVP candidate in a blockbuster trade with the San Diego Padres in the offseason after an 82-80 season was the franchise’s worst in a generation. Last year’s team’s batting average of .227 was the second-lowest in baseball, and the number of wins in a full season was the lowest since 1993.
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Juan Soto of the New York Yankees warms up in the outfield before their game against the Houston Astros on Thursday at Minute Maid Park in Houston. (Michael Sturgill/MLB Photo via Getty Images)
Soto had an RBI single Thursday that started the Yankees’ comeback. The Yankees fell behind 4-0 in the second inning, but while starting pitcher Nestor Cortes calmed down, he scored three runs in the fifth, one in the sixth, and one in the seventh. And relief pitchers Jonathan Loaisiga, Ian Hamilton and Clay Holmes ultimately closed the door.
However, in the 9th inning, Holmes allowed runners on first and second base with one out and ran into trouble when he tried to make a save. Kyle Tucker hit a base hit into the right field seats, the Astros sent Mauricio Dubon to third base to tie the game, and Soto hit an RBI.
And he threw an absolute dart.
Dubon was called on the field, and after a lengthy review, the on-field ruling stood. The next batter, Alex Bregman, grounded out on a fielder’s choice, giving the Yankees the victory.
New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres, left fielder and right fielder Juan Soto celebrate Thursday after a game against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park in Houston. (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)
The Yankees acquired Soto to give the offense a much-needed boost, so anything they get on defense is an added bonus, and this one certainly was.
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In true Soto style, he won with two walks. Heading into Opening Day, his career on-base percentage of .421 since 2019 is the best in the majors (he’s batting ahead of slugger Aaron Judge), as is his .982 OPS since 2017. The best in baseball).
The Yankees are certainly taking a risk, as Soto is set to become a free agent at the end of this season and will likely earn at least $500 million in his new contract.
New York Yankees players Juan Soto (left) and Aaron Judge watch a game against the Houston Astros on Thursday at Minute Maid Park in Houston. (Michael Sturgill/MLB Photo via Getty Images)
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But for now, the Yankees are celebrating and of course are on pace to go 162-0.
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