The first night of the Subway Series unfolded much as anticipated. Juan Soto drew a chorus of boos from the crowd, with fans eagerly turning their attention to every move he made. So, it was a familiar script in this intense New York rivalry. Yet, in a surprising twist, the game ended without a single home run from either side.

Now that’s a rarity in a matchup known for its power displays.

While it was expected that Soto will garner enough boos from the Yankee Stadium, the message conveyed by the crowd came out of nowhere. This time, it is quite unique for Soto as well.

“Bellinger flies out to deep right. Soto flips the ball into the crowd. They throw it back,” MLB insider, Bryan Hoch, shared in the middle of the game.

Fans took it a step further than just vocal jeers. It was in the ninth inning when Soto caught Bellinger’s hit and threw the ball toward the crowd. The Yankees faithful didn’t even bother keeping it. They immediately threw it right back to him. Well, it wasn’t just a missed souvenir, but a clear message.

The Bleacher Creatures made it absolutely clear they weren’t interested in giving Soto any favors, sending a strong signal of their hostility throughout the game. So, no peace as of now!

It is quite surprising, considering baseball fans love collecting balls. Be it a foul ball, a home run, or a souvenir tossed by a player, they usually cherish the moment and keep the ball as a prized memory. And well, players often throw balls into the crowd as a gesture of fan appreciation, a way to connect and make them happy.

Soto might just have offered an olive branch here, but hey, when you are in Yankee Stadium, expect no friendliness! Especially if they are heartbroken and mad at you for leaving!

Well, from the game POV, there is nothing to boast about. Apart from Soto, taking names like Aaron Judge and Francisco Lindor, a homer seemed like an uphill task for them. Yes, the game went in the Yankees’ favor by 6-2, but it just made the next game more interesting.

Meanwhile, Soto got what was expected, probably a little too harshly. So, maybe now, it is his turn to give it back!

Believe in Soto to make a turnaround 

There’s no doubt that Soto was below par on his return to the Yankee Stadium. He finished 0-for-1 with three walks, a stolen base, and the Mets’ lone run. But does that mean it’s over for him in the Subway Series?

Well, when the name is Juan Soto, it’s not over until it’s over.

Remember Soto’s stint in 2022 with the Padres? He initially struggled after being traded from the Nationals (.242 BA). But when it came to the most clutch games in the postseason, Soto went into beast mode. He played a key role in the Padres’ postseason run, hitting .239 with 2 HR and 7 RBIs in the playoffs, including a go-ahead hit in the NLDS vs. the Dodgers.

That’s what defines Juan Soto. You challenge him, put him in the most clutch game, and he delivers!

In fact, it was the same in May 2023, as well. He crushed a 2-run homer into the second deck at Yankee Stadium, giving the Padres late-inning momentum.

So, it is too early to strike out Soto just after the first game of the Subway Series. Moreover, Soto knows how to play the Yankees. Because Soto has been playing against the Bronx since 2018, except for 2024.

Well, a player with a career 5 HRs and 11 RBIs with a .290 BA against the Yankees surely knows the business. Also, when all other sluggers failed to hit a homer, it’s not fair to point at Soto only.

No doubt, the first game just made the next one even more exciting. It is to be seen if Soto justifies his worth in the battle of Goliath.