Juan Soto’s All-Star exploits haven’t endeared him to everyone.
On Sunday morning, hours before Soto’s Mets would face off against the Mariners in the MLB Little League Classic, the Vancouver and Brisbane squads faced off, with Canadian broadcaster TSN inquiring which MLB stars the youngsters were excited to meet later in the day.
Team Canada’s Misha Lee did not hold back after his Australian counterpart answered with Soto.
“Eh, he’s kinda overrated,” Lee said. “He’s alright.”
Lee, a pitcher/first baseman for the Canuck side, revealed he was much more interested in getting a glimpse of the Big Dumper himself, Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh.
Canada certainly channeled their favorite sluggers, racking up 13 hits over six innings and posting five runs in the fifth frame en route to a 12-0 win over the Aussies.
When Little League play came to a close on the day, everyone packed into Journey Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field in Williamsport, Pa., and they certainly got a show from the MLB teams.
Mark Vientos’ three-run homer keyed the Mets to a 7-3 win that included a two-run long ball from Raleigh in the seventh inning.
Many of the young fans in attendance, however, asked for — and received — a show from Soto, who entered the stadium to adoring fans and stopped to sigh autographs.
In the bottom of the eighth, the Little Leaguers began to chant for the Dominican superstar’s patented “Soto Shuffle,” and he delivered in a delightful scene.
While Soto’s final line — 0-for-2 with three walks and a stolen bases — may not have been the power display the kids were hoping for, the Mets won their second straight game, a feat they hadn’t accomplished in weeks.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
