Soto Shines with Three Home Runs in Yankees Victory

CHICAGO (AP) — In a remarkable display of power, Juan Soto hit three home runs in a single game for the first time in his career, leading the New York Yankees to a 4-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night. Soto's offensive explosion began in the third inning with a two-run homer off White Sox starter Jonathan Cannon, followed by a leadoff shot in the fifth that showcased his ability to hit the ball to the opposite field. “It locks me in every time I hit the ball that way,” Soto remarked, emphasizing his confidence in his hitting approach. The 25-year-old slugger added his 33rd home run of the season in the seventh inning, driving a ball to right field that extended the Yankees' lead to 4-0. Soto's performance put him in a position to tie the major league record for home runs in a game, but he opted for a walk in his final at-bat in the ninth inning. “I was ready,” he said with a smile after missing a 3-0 pitch. Soto's impressive night not only propelled the Yankees into first place in the AL East, a half-game ahead of Baltimore, but also highlighted his exceptional form. Over his last 28 games, he has batted .351 with 12 home runs and a staggering 1.233 OPS. With 23 career multi-homer games, Soto is closing in on the record held by Hall of Famer Mel Ott, who had 24 by age 25. “I’ve been working on just trying to be accurate to the ball,” Soto added, reflecting on his recent success.