CHICAGO (AP) — Juan Soto hit three home runs in a game for the first time in his career on Tuesday night, hitting three consecutive at-bats for the New York Yankees against the Chicago White Sox.
The slugger began his breakout with a two-run shot to left field against starter Jonathan Cannon in the third inning and went the other way again with a leadoff home run in the fifth inning.
“Every time I hit the ball like that, I’m focused,” Soto said. “I feel like that’s my strength. I feel really good about it.”
The four-time All-Star hit his 33rd home run of the season in the seventh inning against left-handed reliever Fraser Ellard, making it 4-0 with a drive to right.
With a chance to match the major league record of four home runs in a game, Soto earned his final walk in the ninth inning, smiling after missing a 3-0 pitch that was just outside the strike zone.
“I was ready,” Soto said with a grin.
His big night at bat led the Yankees to a 4-1 victory This put them in first place in the AL East, half a game ahead of Baltimore.
It was the 40th three-run home run game in Yankees history, including the postseason. New York rookie Ben Rice already had one this summer, on July 6 against Boston.
Soto, 25, has 23 career multi-home run games. The only player at age 25 to hit more home runs was Hall of Fame hitter Mel Ott with 24.
In his last 28 games, Soto has a batting average of .351 with 12 home runs and an OPS of 1.233.
“I just worked on hitting the ball accurately,” he said. “Just be accurate with my run and see what happens.”
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