CHICAGO (AP) — Juan Soto had the first three-home run game of his career, Nestor Cortes threw seven scoreless innings and the New York Yankees defeated the Chicago White Sox 4-1 on Tuesday night to take sole control of the AL East.
Soto hit starter Jonathan Cannon (2-6) with a two-run shot to left field in the third inning and hit the other way again in the fifth with a leadoff home run. The four-time All-Star scored his 33rd run of the season in the seventh inning against left-handed reliever Fraser Ellard, pulling a drive to right that made it 4-0.
“Just a great night from a great player,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “When I watch Juan, I feel like I’m watching one of the best seasons I’ve ever seen.”
With a chance to match the major league record of four home runs in a game, Soto earned his final walk in the ninth inning, smiling after missing a 3-0 pitch that was just outside the strike zone.
“That’s why he’s the best hitter in the game,” said teammate Aaron Judge. “If you leave a pitch in the zone, he’s going to do damage. But if you don’t throw to him, he’s going to help the next guy do his thing.”
Cortes (6-10), who had allowed nine hits and six earned runs in a short game against the Angels five days earlier, managed three hits and reached his season high with nine strikeouts.
“He’s just a nasty Nestor. That’s what you always expect from him,” Soto said.
Luis Robert Jr. thwarted New York’s attempt at a shutout with an RBI single in the eighth inning against Mark Leiter Jr. Jake Cousins, the last of the four relievers, got three outs – two of them with the bases loaded – for his first career save.
The Yankees took a half-game lead over second-place Baltimore, who lost to the Washington Nationals.
“Cortes was tough tonight. He threw the ball well, mixed it up and found his positions,” said White Sox interim manager Grady Sizemore. “He did a really good job.”
Cannon allowed five hits, walked three and struck out four in 4 2/3 innings. The White Sox (29-92), the worst in the major leagues, had five hits on a night after allowing 18 hits and won 12-2. They have lost 31 of their last 36 games.
Judge went 2-for-3 with two singles and two walks, leaving him with 299 career home runs.
Soto hit the 40th three-run home run game in Yankees history, including the postseason. It was their second of the year, joining rookie Ben Rice on July 6 against Boston.
“It means a lot to me. It’s really fun,” Soto said. “It’s really cool to see, and it’s even better to win.”
Soto, 25, has 23 career multi-home run games. The only player at age 25 to hit more home runs was Hall of Fame hitter Mel Ott with 24.
In his last 28 games, Soto has a batting average of .351 with 12 home runs and an OPS of 1.233.
Boone said before the game that third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. will likely be placed on the injured list with a left elbow injury. It appears Chisholm injured his ulnar collateral ligament while sliding in Monday’s game.
The club expects to have enough diagnostic information by Wednesday to make a decision.
TRAINING ROOM
Yankees: C Jose Trevino (left quad strain) was scheduled to make another rehab appearance for Double-A Somerset on Tuesday. He has been on the 10-day IL since July 13. … Boone said RHP Ian Hamilton (left hamstring strain) will play in the bullpen this weekend. He has been out since June 18.
White Sox: Robert was back in the lineup after a day off Monday. … The club has not given up hope of having 3B Yoán Moncada (adductor strain) back this season, but Sizemore said there is no clear timetable yet for a potential return. Moncada has not played since early April.
Next
Yankees rookie Will Warren (0-1, 11.17 ERA) and fellow RHP Davis Martin (0-1, 3.65) will both make their third start of the season in the final game of the series on Wednesday night.
