Juan Soto delivered a dominant performance, hitting a grand slam and a triple to drive in six runs and lead the New York Mets to a 10-8 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Monday afternoon, tying his career high in RBIs and bolstering the team’s playoff aspirations. This critical win came at Comerica Park in Detroit, where both teams are fiercely competing for postseason positioning, with the Mets solidifying their wild card chances and the Tigers aiming to maintain their standing in the American League.
In the fourth inning, with the bases loaded and two outs, Soto connected on a 2-2 curveball from Charlie Morton, sending it 419 feet into the right-field seats for a grand slam, giving the Mets a 6-3 lead. This was only the second grand slam of his career and his 36th home run of the season, showcasing his power at a crucial moment. The Tigers quickly responded in the bottom of the fourth, with Zach McKinstry hitting an RBI triple and scoring on a single by Jones to cut the deficit to 6-5, demonstrating the back-and-forth nature of the game.
The Tigers tied the score at 6-6 in the fifth inning when a wild pitch by Mets reliever Ryne Stanek allowed Spencer Torkelson to cross the plate, putting pressure on the Mets’ bullpen. However, Soto answered emphatically in the sixth inning, with two runners on, he hit a ball down the first-base line that stayed fair and rolled into the corner for a triple, driving in two runs to put the Mets ahead 8-6. He later scored on Brandon Nimmo’s RBI single, extending the lead to 9-6 and highlighting the team’s offensive depth.
Soto’s six RBIs tied his career high, which he previously set on September 17, 2023, with the San Diego Padres, when he also hit a grand slam. His performance this season has been exceptional, with a 1.446 OPS with runners in scoring position since August 1, underscoring his clutch hitting abilities. The Mets’ bullpen, led by Edwin DÃaz who recorded his 25th save with 1.1 innings of work, secured the win despite struggles from starter Sean Manaea, who allowed five runs in 3.2 innings.
This victory improves the Mets’ record to 74-64, keeping them four games ahead of the Cincinnati Reds for the final National League Wild Card spot and six games behind the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East division race. The Tigers fell to 80-59 but remain competitive in the AL, with the series highlighting the intensity of late-season baseball. Manager Carlos Mendoza praised Soto’s impact, noting his ability to carry the team during critical moments, which is vital as the Mets address pitching concerns, including allowing double-digit hits in four consecutive games.
Looking ahead, the Mets and Tigers continue their series with key matchups that could shape both teams’ playoff futures, and Soto’s hot streak provides a significant boost for New York’s postseason push.