Juan Soto stole the show in the fifth inning of Game 1 of the World Series. Stepping up in a tight spot with two on and a one-run deficit, he made it clear early that he was locked in. Soto played it cool, flashing a smirk and doing a little hip shimmy as Gerrit Cole worked him carefully. Cole didn’t want to give in. He stayed away from the fastball, opting for off-speed stuff while Soto stayed disciplined, taking breaking balls out of the zone and working a 3-0 count.
Cole finally attacked with a changeup, surprising Soto a bit but earning his respect. With the count full, Soto knew what was coming. Cole had avoided the heater the entire at-bat, so Soto sat back and waited on another breaking pitch. He got it, and he crushed it off the wall. Michael Brantley misplayed it slightly and got his glove stuck, and Soto coasted into second with a big hit in a big moment. He followed it with his signature baby shark celebration, giving thanks and soaking it all in. It was a smart, patient at-bat that showed why Soto thrives on the biggest stage.