Juan Soto, known for his batting skills, impressed with his defense in his debut for the New York Yankees.
Soto prevented the potential tying run at the plate in the ninth inning, contributing to New York’s comeback from a four-run deficit in a 5-4 season-opening victory against the Houston Astros.
New York captain Aaron Judge praised Juan’s debut, highlighting his calmness and accurate throw in the crucial moment of the game.
Oswaldo Cabrera hit a home run and Judge doubled and scored the go-ahead run in the seventh inning, propelling the Yankees to the lead.
Mauricio Dubón and Yordan Alvarez singled off Clay Holmes, giving the Astros two on with one out in the ninth.
Kyle Tucker's single to right led to Soto making a precise 87.6 mph throw to catch Dubón at the plate, with the umpire's call being upheld after a video review.
Soto expressed his preparation and mindset for making the crucial throw to the plate.
Judge praised his new teammate, highlighting Soto's skills both at the plate and in the field.
Judge emphasized the value of Soto's presence in both batting and fielding.
Soto was asked if he's bothered by the lack of attention to his defense.
To which he responded, “Not at all. I need to make plays like today's so they start discussing it. They’ll be acknowledging my defense later on.”
Alex Bregman grounded into a forceout while Holmes secured the save.
Joe Espada, in his first game as the Astros manager, brought in Ryan Pressly to pitch the seventh, marking the reliever's first appearance in that inning since the 2021 World Series.
Judge welcomed him with a double to the left-field corner and scored the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly by Alex Verdugo, who like Soto, was making his Yankees debut.
Chas McCormick hit a two-run single in the first inning, and Jake Meyers homered in the second off Nestor Cortes, who had limited appearances in the majors after May due to a strained left rotator cuff.
Jonathan Loáisiga (1-0) pitched two scoreless innings to secure the win.
Astros starter Framber Valdez gave up three runs in 4 2/3 innings, ending three of the first four innings with double plays.
Astros manager Espada mentioned Valdez's execution of pitches when needed, despite struggling with command throughout the day.
Cabrera hit a tying home run off Rafael Montero in the sixth.
Anthony Rizzo was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the fifth, marking his 214th hit-by-pitch — 60 more than any other active player.
The Yankees revealed a new away uniform for the first time in almost 50 years. The change wasn't major, but it did get rid of the white piping around the letters and numbers on their jerseys.
Houston pitcher Bryan Abreu started a two-game suspension for intentionally throwing at Texas player Adolis García in last year’s AL Championship Series.
UP NEXT
Houston’s Cristian Javier, who lost in Game 7 of the ALCS, will face Carlos Rodón in the continuation of the four-game series on Friday.
