CLEVELAND — The man who knows Juan Soto best didn't have a doubt. Soto stood in the batter's box at Progressive Field. Two on, two out, tie game, 10th inning, another classic between the New York Yankees and the Cleveland Guardians brewing in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series on Saturday.
Another night of thrills and drama with the Yankees one win from their first World Series appearance in 15 years. Another opportunity for Soto to deliver under pressure.
And Juan Soto Sr. knew — he just knew — his son would come through. The trademark Soto shuffle after taking the first pitch for a ball.
The stare-downs after fouling off four straight pitches. His refusal to concede. The elder Soto sensed his son was in his element. «That's what he does: He performs in the clutch,» he said in Spanish. «He works under pressure.