Juan Soto’s go‑ahead homer lifts Mets past Cardinals 5‑4

Juan Soto delivered a decisive seventh‑inning solo home run at Citi Field, giving the New York Mets a 5‑4 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals and snapping a two‑game skid. Soto, who had been struggling with a .147 average in June, also doubled earlier and finished with two hits. Mets starter Christian Scott allowed four runs over 4⅔ innings, while the bullpen combined for 4.1 scoreless innings, with Brooks Raley earning the win.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza praised Soto’s effort, saying, “He wants to win… we need every single guy in that room.” The win moved the Mets to 30‑38, keeping them near the bottom of the NL East as they prepare to host the league‑leading Atlanta Braves. Fans expressed frustration with Mendoza’s earlier comments about the team’s prospects, while Soto projected confidence ahead of the upcoming series.

The game will be streamed on Apple TV’s Friday Night Baseball, with Nolan McLean starting for the Mets and Spencer Strider for the Braves.