Juan Soto became the first Mets player since David Wright in 2007 to record a three‑run homer and a stolen base in the same inning on July 7, 2026, sparking a 5‑2 win over the Atlanta Braves.
What exactly did Soto accomplish?
In the third inning, Soto belted a towering three‑run shot to left‑center, then, moments later, swiped second base on a daring squeeze bunt. The combination of power and speed in a single frame has only been logged once in Mets history, when Wright pulled it off against the Chicago Cubs.
How did the play affect the game?
The Mets rode Soto’s burst to a 5‑2 victory, with the lead never slipping after his heroics. Pitcher Max Scherzer settled in after the inning, delivering six solid innings and allowing just one run. The Braves managed a lone solo homer in the seventh, but the early gap proved too much.
Why is this milestone significant for Soto?
Soto, 26, has been praised for his plate discipline, but this performance underscores his evolving all‑around game. Matching a record set by a future Hall of Famer adds a new dimension to his résumé and fuels speculation about his place among the league’s elite.
What does this mean for the Mets’ season?
The win pushes New York to 48‑32, tightening the NL East race. Manager Buck Showalter praised Soto’s “instant impact” after the game, noting the club’s need for more multi‑skill contributions as they chase a playoff berth.
How does this compare to Wright’s 2007 feat?
Wright’s 2007 inning featured a two‑run double followed by a stolen base, helping the Mets beat the San Diego Padres. Soto’s three‑run blast adds extra firepower, but both moments share the rarity of blending power and speed in one frame.
What’s next for Soto?
With the Mets set to face the Philadelphia Phillies next week, Soto will look to replicate his explosive inning. Analysts predict he could be the catalyst the team needs to maintain momentum in a tightly contested division.
Juan Soto’s July 7, 2026, performance not only rewrote a piece of Mets history but also cemented his reputation as a dual‑threat player capable of changing games in an instant.