Soto's key second base hit to end the slump Lindor opened a left-right shot to help Peterson win

Had it not been for Juan Soto's longest career-free batting drought, his batting in three innings might have been just a modest footnote to the Mets' 4-2 win over Rocky — a victory that also included Francisco Lindor's left-right shootout and David Peterson's quality starters. But anyone who follows the Soto transfer dynamics understands that the situation is far from simple.

In the first two months of his move to Queens, Soto was mired in a whirlpool of criticism and suffered repeated setbacks. Seven of the first eight questions David Stearns received in 24 minutes at the pregame press conference at Citi Field on Friday focused on the $765 million sign. "Of course he wants to be more productive," Stearns responded, "but it's natural to be skeptical when huge contracts don't materialize right away." Juan himself understands this. "

The only way to end the 17-dozen no-hits was to hit a hit, which Soto did on Friday night when he hit the ball at 113 mph (about 182 km) at the muzzle velocity of 113 mph (about 182 km) and sent it back to Lindor with two outs in the first base. In the sixth inning, he added a hitter from the field, completing the second single-game two-hit in three weeks. "He's going to keep climbing," Lindor said, "and the question is 'Where's Soto?' 'We have seen a quality meal every week, and tonight the god of luck finally favors us. "

The signs were anomalous by Friday: Soto was still in control of the bench and making strong shots in April, but the numbers dropped significantly in May. There was a general perception within the team that it was too passive, caught up in too many unfavorable ball counts, and the quality of its shots dropped significantly. Mid-month coach Carlos Mendoza reluctantly regrouped it – it wouldn't have been necessary if the initial arrangement had worked. "I think he's in a bit of a rush at the moment," Steens admitted before the game.

The off-field dilemma was equally highlighted: the subway battle failed to quell the Bronx's booing; The Boston Series then slacked off on the bases; a storm of public opinion (whether fair or not) about its decision to sign; On a number of occasions, the locker room left the pitch early before the locker room opened. None of this is proof that the players enjoyed their time at Flachen. However, teammates and management have always insisted that "the real Soto is coming back". "The turnaround will come," Soto said, "and we don't know when it will come, but we just keep improving." "

The performance of Liang'an, one of the worst teams in history, although difficult to sweep away the haze overnight, may become a turning point. In addition to his offensive contributions, Soto made a scurrying pick in the right field in seven innings (albeit on a tortuous course) and a pinpoint second-run interception by Ryan McMahon in the corner of the right field in the sixth inning. Overall, it was the best battle of his Metropolitan career, and it came at a time when it needed to be proven – at least to quell the noise of a new chapter in his career.

"This month's performance has fallen short of the familiar Soto standard," Stearns concluded, "and it's a very high standard, but there have been ups and downs for the top hitters." It is our job to help them break the ice. "