Juan Soto erupted for two long balls on Sunday, May 20, as the New York Mets dropped a 4-8 decision to the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Soto’s 2-for-4 line featured four RBIs, a 1.500 slugging mark and an OPS+ of 190, far above his season average of 135.
Washington’s CJ Abrams opened the scoring with a three‑run blast in the first inning, and the Nationals added two more runs in the eighth to seal the win.
How the Mets fell behind early and couldn’t recover
Washington seized a 3-0 lead after Abrams’ homer, while the Mets managed only a solo shot by Soto in the fifth and a second Soto blast in the seventh before the offense stalled. The Mets recorded just four hits after the seventh inning, illustrating a late‑game slump.
Stat sheet: Soto’s night and the broader picture
Soto’s 28th homer of the season moved him into the league’s top ten for home runs, and his 190 OPS+ ranked him among the elite hitters this year. The Mets’ team batting average dropped to .242 after the loss, while the bullpen surrendered three runs in the ninth, highlighting a need for tighter late‑inning work.
Historical context for Soto’s power surge
Since debuting in 2020, Soto has posted a career OPS+ of 138, well above the league average of 100, and earned NL Rookie of the Year honors in 2022. His 28 homers this season eclipse his previous high of 26 set in 2024, underscoring a rare power upswing for a player traditionally prized for contact and on‑base skill.
Key Developments
- Nationals pitcher Patrick Corbin earned the win, striking out six and allowing two runs over six innings.
- Mets starter Trevor Megill lasted 5 1/3 innings, giving up five runs on five hits before exiting.
- The final attendance was reported at 32,874 fans, a modest crowd for a weekday night game.
What the loss means for New York’s playoff chase
New York now sits at 38‑42, fourth in the NL East and three games back of the Atlanta Braves. If the front office can strengthen the rotation and keep Soto healthy, the Mets still have a shot at a wild‑card berth. The upcoming series against the Braves will test those adjustments.
According to ESPN, the Mets have allowed an average of 4.68 runs per game this season, a figure that sits near the league median and underscores the importance of tightening up the staff.
How many total home runs has Juan Soto hit this season?
As of May 20, 2026, Soto has launched 28 homers, placing him among the league leaders and marking a career‑high power output compared with his 22 homers in 2025 (general MLB statistics).
What is the Mets’ record after the loss to the Nationals?
The Mets sit at 38‑42 overall, fourth in the NL East and three games behind the division‑leading Atlanta Braves (general season standings).
Did any other Mets player have a multi‑hit game?
Second baseman Jeff McNeil went 2‑for‑5 with a double and a run scored, providing the only other offensive spark for New York beyond Soto’s performance (general game recap).