"The close hit didn't come up today" - Juan Soto mulls over Yankees' 'tough night' after Red Sox defeat

Juan Soto and the New York Yankees faced an 8-4 defeat against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Saturday. However, the outfielder had a good night, going 1-3, including one home run and two walks. Despite that, the Red Sox's offense was too strong for the Yankees on the night.

After the game, Juan Soto interacted with the media, talking about the game and the missed opportunities that could have affected the result.

"Tough night. I mean, we hit a couple of balls," Soto told reporters. "We're good at bats. We just couldn't find the hole. At the end of the day, we did what we're supposed to do every day: put guys on base, tried to put traffic in, and tried to get that close hit. The close hit didn't come up today, but it is what it is."

Reporters also asked Soto how his elbow was after he missed a couple of games earlier this week.

"It's been pretty good. It's been pretty good. I've been making a couple throws. Today I made a couple throws and it was pretty good. It's been reacting really well.

Like in the morning, when I wake up and everything, it's really loosened up. We don't have to put too much work into it. It's still working, but little by little we're getting to 100%," Soto said.

Juan Soto's efforts in vain as Red Sox get one back

MLB: New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox

The two AL East arch-rivals were at it on Saturday, with the Red Sox picking up a win to tie the series heading to Sunday's game.

Juan Soto hit his 18th homer in the seventh off Justin Slaten. Carlos Rodon who was riding a seven-start winning streak, was taken for a ride by the Red Sox hitters. Rodon gave up five earned runs on seven hits and three walks across five innings pitched.

For the Red Sox, Rafael Devers had a two-run double. Tyler O’Neill and rookie Jamie Westbrook also contributed with RBIs.

“It was better today than yesterday,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “They're into the game. ... Regardless of where we're at, people care. It's been fun the last two days.”

The Yankees dropped to 50-23 with the loss, while the Red Sox improved to 36-35. The two teams will square off in the rubber game on Sunday with the series on the line.