Nationals’ Star Soto Says He and Family ‘Prayed Before the Game,’ Sought God’s Help

Following his game-winning hit in the eighth inning of the Washington Nationals’ dramatic, come-from-behind 4-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Wild Card Game on Tuesday night, Nationals Outfielder Juan Soto said he and his family “prayed before the game.”

“For me, just get a base hit through the middle. That’s what I’m thinking, just get a base hit through the middle and try to tie the game,” the Dominican-born Nationals outfielder said in a post-game interview about his approach to his two-out hit with Nationals trailing 3-1 that scored three runs, propelling his team to victory in a one-game playoff.

“That’s my dad, and my brother and my mom,” Soto replied when TBS reporter Lauren Shehadi asked him about the on-field celebration taking place after the game.

“What did they say to you?” she then asked – prompting Soto to explain that he and his family had prayed for God’s help before the game:

“We just prayed before the game. And we told Him that we just need his help. You know, go help, and right now and get opportunity and just, get on it.”

As a result of the win, the Nationals advanced to the next round of the playoffs to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in a series beginning on Thursday.