Juan Soto silences critics with game-winning double as Mets beat Dodgers 5-2

In a much-needed turnaround moment, Juan Soto shook off his recent struggles with runners in scoring position to deliver a game-defining double that powered the New York Mets past the Los Angeles Dodgers, 5-2, on Saturday night. The rematch of last year’s National League Championship Series lived up to its billing, as Soto’s clutch hit with the bases loaded in the fourth inning helped the Mets snap out of a recent funk and end the Dodgers’ three-game winning streak.Juan Soto’s line drive to right-center came at a critical point. With the game tied and pressure mounting, he connected on a 2-2 splitter and drove it off the wall, giving the Mets a 4-2 lead. “This was a huge moment not just for the team, but for Soto personally,” Mets fans and analysts agreed, especially considering the outfielder had been hitting just .119 (5 for 42) with runners in scoring position prior to that at-bat — ranking 164th among 167 qualified hitters.David Peterson (3-2) played the hero on the mound, delivering a gritty performance that matched his career high of 7 2/3 innings. The left-hander held the Dodgers to two runs on five hits, struck out Shohei Ohtani three times, and forced three double plays to kill potential rallies. His command and poise were crucial, especially after a draining 13-inning loss the night before.The Mets’ bullpen held strong, with Edwin Díaz slamming the door by striking out three of the four batters he faced. The elite closer remains perfect in 11 save opportunities this season, once again proving why he’s among baseball’s most dominant late-inning arms.At the plate, Brett Baty continued to shine in the ninth spot, collecting three hits and driving in two runs, including an RBI double in the eighth off Bobby Miller. Starling Marte also contributed with an infield single that brought home a run during the decisive fourth inning. Pete Alonso, though still homerless in his last 16 games, added a pair of singles.Despite early runs from Kiké Hernández and Dalton Rushing, the Dodgers couldn’t solve Peterson’s rhythm or the Mets’ determined lineup. Freddie Freeman turned heads with a stellar double play in the third, but Los Angeles couldn’t regain momentum.With the series tied, all eyes now turn to Sunday’s finale, where Kodai Senga (4-3, 1.43 ERA) takes the mound for the Mets against Landon Knack (2-1, 6.17 ERA) of the Dodgers.Also Read: What Juan Soto must overcome to return to MVP form, according to insiders and Yankees great