WATCH – Juan Soto crushed a no-doubter as San Diego Padres beat Atalanta Braves
A struggling for form Juan Soto crushed a no-doubter home-run as the Padres avoided getting swept against the Braves.
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[Juan Soto celebrating after crushing a home-run. Pic Credit: The San Diego Union-Tribune]
They say actions speak louder than words. There is a phase in every player’s career where they are at their lowest or, to say, struggling a bit. San Diego Padres’ star Juan Soto seems to be going through this phase. He quickly reminded everyone why he is considered one of the modern-day’s best.
On Wednesday, a struggling Juan Soto homered in the fourth inning, eventually becoming the match-winner. His solo shot, followed by seven strong pitching innings by starter Nick Martinez helped the Padres over the line against the Atalanta Braves. This 1-0 win ended the eight-game winning run of the Braves.
Both teams came into this game in contrasting forms. While the Braves were riding high on their eight-game unbeaten run, the Padres had only won twice in their last eight outings. After their 3-1 series win over the Braves earlier in the season, they lost their next two series to the New York Mets and the Milwaukee Brewers. This is now their third straight series loss, having lost both the previous game to the Braves.
It’s not the home runs or RBIs that are putting the pressure on Soto. Last night’s no-doubter was his fourth home run of the season. It took his RBI tally to nine. It’s the batting average that is raising eyebrows. In his 67 at-bats this season, Soto is batting at a mere average of .194. He is undoubtedly a talented individual, but perhaps a player of his caliber is expected more.
Related: Juan Soto admits he is not a fan of new pitch clock rule
San Diego Padres struggling for consistency
After acquiring the talents of Xander Bogaerts at the start of the season, many people started to see Padres as huge favorites once again. After finishing the previous season with a 89-73 record, they would stun the NY Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers in the wild card and division series respectively. They made it all the way to the National League Championship Series before being crushed by the Philadelphia Phillies.
Reacting to the team’s criticism, Machado told the media that they are trying hard. “As much as people are out there talking that we’re not doing anything we’re out there working our butts off and we’re trying to be the best we can,” Machado said in the post match conference.
A battling line-up consisting of Machado, Bogaerts, and Soto will soon see the return of another star. Fernando Tatis Jr will be available to return from April 20 following his suspension for using foreign substances last year. His return can undoubtedly boost their attack as they eye for another playoff run. The race is long, and they will be hoping not to fall back too much. They sit third in the NL West table with a 9-11 record. The D-Backs lead the division with the Dodgers two games behind in first place.
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Siddid Dey Purkayastha
(528 Articles Published)