Juan Soto got the trifecta on Tuesday.
His historic home run helped the New York Yankees record an 11-2 victory over the host Seattle Mariners.
The Yankees (88-63) can at least clinch a playoff spot with a win when the series continues Wednesday night in Seattle.
Soto’s two-run homer off Mariners starter Bryan Woo in the fourth inning was his 40th home run of the season, the 200th of his career and gave him one home run in 30 active ballparks Premier League.
“It’s an amazing feeling to achieve another goal in my career. All the work I’ve been doing and getting the results is great,” said Soto.
Soto became the seventh youngest player to reach the 200 home run barrier, at 25 years and 328 days old. Only Jimmie Foxx (222), Eddie Mathews (222), Alex Rodriguez (216), Mel Ott (211) and Mickey Mantle (207) hit more before their 26th birthday. Albert Pujols hit 200 just before his 26th birthday.
Soto and Aaron Judge became the third Yankee duo to hit 40 home runs in a season, joining Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig (three times from 1927-31) and Mantle and Roger Maris (1961).
“It’s an honor. It’s hard to put into words. You’re talking about baseball legends,” said Judge, who drove in four runs with a two-run double in the first inning and a two-run single in the second.
Jasson Dominguez also homered for the Yankees, who extended their lead over Baltimore atop the American League East to four games. Right-hander Luis Gil allowed one run in five innings.
Trailing 2-0, the Mariners loaded the bases in the bottom of the first inning. Víctor Robles was thrown out trying to steal home and the Yankees pulled away.
“Vic is an aggressive player, for sure. That’s part of his game,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said. “It’s a situation where you have to know you’re going through it.”
Robles, who reached base after being hit by a pitch, had to leave the game after the first inning with a bruised right hand. Availability for Wednesday’s game is uncertain.
Julio Rodríguez was 4 for 5 and Jorge Polanco and Luke Raley hit solo home runs for the Mariners (77-74), who were five games behind Houston in the American League West and three games behind in the wild-card hunt. .
Wednesday’s pitching matchup between Yankees left-hander Néstor Cortés (9-10, 3.90 ERA) and Mariners right-hander Bryce Miller (11-8, 3.12) is a rematch of the May 22 game at Yankee Stadium.
Cortés pitched five scoreless innings that day, allowing the Yankees to win 7-3. Miller allowed five runs in six innings, Soto hit two home runs and Judge added another.
Cortes, a former Mariner, has won his last four decisions, including one as a defenseman. He is 2-0 with a 3.18 ERA in five career appearances against Seattle, including four starts.
Miller, who has allowed one earned run and struck out 11 in his last two starts combined, is 0-2 with a 10.97 ERA in two meetings with the Yankees.
— Field level media
2024-09-18 21:27:34
#Deadspin #Yankees #ticket #playoffs #clash #Mariners
