As free agency looms, Soto powers Yankees to World Series - ESPN

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. And I was completely confident. I knew something was going to happen in that at-bat.»

What happened was a moment that will live on Yankees highlight reels forever: a three-run home run on the first fastball Soto saw from Hunter Gaddis — a 95 mph, letter-high offering that he blasted over the wall in center field that ultimately sent the Yankees to the World Series for the first time since 2009 in a 5-2 win. They await the winner between the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series.

«It's a great feeling, to hit that homer and get the lead for the team,» Soto said. «And coming through big time.»

Soto's blast was the second extra-inning home run to clinch a postseason series in Yankees history, joining manager Aaron Boone's home run in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS against the Boston Red Sox. It was Soto's 10th career postseason home run, tied for the second most in