Juan Soto, the New York Yankees' star player, hit two home runs in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday (July 22), leading his team to a 9-1 victory and a four-game series split. The 27-year-old outfielder, who was traded to the Yankees in December, has now hit 25 home runs this season.
Soto's first home run of the game was a solo shot into the third deck in right field in the seventh inning. He followed this up with a three-run homer in the eighth. This was Soto's fourth multi-homer game of the season and the 21st of his career, tying him with Hall of Famer Eddie Mathews for the second most by anyone 25 years old or younger.
"I’m just trying to make sure it was a fair ball,” Soto said. “I was literally pulling with everything that I have to stay fair. It was fun to see it and I definitely got a hold (of it).”
In addition to Soto's impressive performance, DJ LeMahieu, Austin Wells, and Anthony Volpe also homered for the Yankees, tying a season high by hitting five home runs for the second time this season.
Carlos Rodón, the Yankees' starting pitcher, also had a strong game, allowing only one run and two hits while striking out 10 in seven innings. This was Rodón's first win since June 10 and his 25th career double-digit strikeout game.
The Yankees' victory was a team effort, with Oswaldo Cabrera adding a two-run single in the fourth inning before LeMahieu hit a home run an inning later.