Juan Soto Leads Mets To Stunning Comeback Win Over Braves

Juan Soto Leads Mets To Stunning Comeback Win Over Braves...

Juan Soto delivered a clutch three-run homer in the ninth inning Thursday night, powering the New York Mets to a dramatic 6-5 victory over the Atlanta Braves. The star outfielder's heroics at Citi Field capped a four-run rally that snapped the Mets' three-game skid and sent the home crowd into a frenzy.

The win moves the Mets (4-2) into first place in the NL East, just one game ahead of the defending division champion Braves (3-3). Soto's blast came off Braves closer Raisel Iglesias, marking the first blown save of the season for Atlanta's bullpen.

Soto's performance is trending nationally as the latest evidence of his immediate impact since joining the Mets in December. The 27-year-old slugger is batting .348 with 3 home runs and 8 RBIs through six games, justifying New York's record 15-year, $480 million investment.

"That's why we got him," Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters postgame. "Big moments, big swings. He lives for that." The comeback began when Francisco Lindor singled home two runs before Soto's game-winner.

Braves manager Brian Snitker called the loss "a tough pill to swallow" after his team led 5-2 entering the ninth. The game drew 38,712 fans - Citi Field's largest April crowd since 2019 - with many staying late to witness Soto's latest signature moment.

Thursday's thriller sets up an intriguing weekend series between the division rivals. The teams meet again Friday night with Mets ace Kodai Senga scheduled to face Atlanta's Max Fried in a marquee pitching matchup.

Soto's heroics come amid growing buzz about his early MVP candidacy. The three-time All-Star has reached base in all six Mets games this season, showcasing the elite plate discipline that made him baseball's most coveted free agent last winter.