Juan Soto on Tuesday had his first career three-homer game and Nestor Cortes tossed seven shutout innings as the New York Yankees held off the Chicago White Sox 4-1 to take sole possession of the American League East lead.
Soto tagged starter Jonathan Cannon (2-6) for a two-run shot to left field in the third inning and went the other way on a leadoff homer in the fifth. The four-time All-Star added his 33rd of the season in the seventh inning off left-handed reliever Fraser Ellard, pulling a drive to right that made it 4-0.
“Just a great night by a great player,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “I feel like in watching Juan, I’m watching one of the best seasons I’ve ever seen.”
Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA Today
With a chance to match the major league record of four home runs in a game, Soto walked his final time up in the ninth inning. He smiled after swinging and missing at a 3-0 pitch that was a little out of the strike zone.
“That’s why he’s the greatest hitter in the game,” Yankees teammate Aaron Judge said. “You leave a pitch in the zone, he’ll do damage, but if you don’t throw to him, he’ll help the next guy do his thing.”
Cortes (6-10), who gave up nine hits and six earned runs in a short outing against the Angels five days earlier, scattered three hits and equaled his season best with nine strikeouts.
“He’s just nasty Nestor. You’re always expecting something like that from him,” Soto said.
Luis Robert Jr spoiled New York’s shutout bid with an eighth-inning RBI single off Mark Leiter Jr.
Jake Cousins, the last of four relievers, got three outs — two with the bases loaded — for his first career save.
The Yankees moved half a game in front of the second-placed Baltimore Orioles, who lost 9-3 to the Washington Nationals.
“Cortes was tough tonight. He was throwing the ball well, mixing it up, getting his spots,” White Sox interim manager Grady Sizemore said. “He really did a good job.”
Cannon gave up five hits and walked three while striking out four in 4-2/3 innings. The major league-worst White Sox (29-92) had five hits one night after rolling up 18 in a 12-2 victory. They have dropped 31 of their past 36 games.
Judge went two for three with a pair of singles and two walks to remain at 299 career home runs.
Soto produced the 40th three-homer game in Yankees history, including the post-season. It was their second this year, following rookie Ben Rice on July 6 against Boston.
“It means a lot. It’s really fun,” Soto said. “It’s really cool to see it and even better to get the win out of it.”
The 25-year-old Soto has 23 career multi-homer games. The only player with more by age 25 was Hall of Fame slugger Mel Ott with 24.
In his past 28 games, Soto is batting .351 with 12 home runs.
Elsewhere, the Diamondbacks downed the Rockies 4-3, the Padres sank the Pirates 3-0, the Blue Jays beat the Angels 6-1, the Twins thrashed the Royals 13-3, the Guardians tamed the Cubs 2-1, the Tigers trounced the Mariners 15-1 and the Reds crushed the Cardinals 4-1.
The Marlins blanked the Phillies 5-0, the Astros edged the Rays 3-2, the Red Sox routed the Rangers 9-4, the A’s overcame the Mets 9-4, the Dodgers defeated the Brewers 7-2 and the Braves pipped the Giants 4-3 in 10 innings.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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