Juan Soto's first Yankees walk-off comes in glorious fashion against Red Sox

That's a winner! The New York Yankees made it difficult once again, but in the end prevailed against the Boston Red Sox in Thursday's series opener. Juan Soto kicked off the four-game set with just his second career walk-off hit and his first in pinstripes. Milestone moment!

In a 1-1 tie headed to extras, the Yankees felt dead to rights. They never win these games. And to win back-to-back after Wednesday night's walk-off against the Royals? Not possible. Not against the Red Sox, who have had the Yankees' number for two decades now (or at least that's what it felt like).

But the Bombers flipped the script. Clay Holmes, who was just removed from the closer role, was tasked to handle the 9-1 Sox hitters with an inherited runner on second when Aaron Boone removed Tommy Kahnle from the game. After he got booed off the mound Wednesday, he rebounded in spectacular fashion.

Holmes took care of business against Ceddanne Rafaela and Jarren Duran, throwing six strikes and getting two outs. It was up to the Yanks to finish the job in the bottom of the 10th.

Enter Soto, who led off the inning and knocked in Anthony Volpe with an RBI single up the middle off Josh Winckowski.

Juan Soto's first Yankees walk-off comes in glorious fashion against Red Sox

This moment saved the Yankees from what could've been a demoralizing loss. New York registered just seven hits and five walks. They left 10 runners on base and went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position. Anthony Volpe went 0-for-3 in those scenarios, botching two moments with the bases loaded. Jazz Chisholm also had an egregious baserunning error in the bottom of the sixth when the Yankees were threatening.

They were this close to starting off a crucial four-game set against their most hated division rival in the worst possible manner, but they rose from the depths, kicked the Sox down the standings in the playoff race, and gained another half-game over the Orioles.

Soto's been "slumping" for a few weeks now, but his key two-run homer saved the Yankees on Wednesday night and he was the hero on Thursday after going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a walk in his first four plate appearances.

Pay that man his money! Yankees win. See you tomorrow.