Did Juan Soto blow kiss at Will Smith after home run blast?

Originally posted on DC Sports King | By King Motley | Last updated 9/9/21

Tuesday night Atlanta Braves closer Will Smith refueled his beef with Washington Nationals star outfielder Juan Soto, when he hit Soto in the back with a pitch.

Their gripe may have taken another step or two Wednesday. First, the Nationals wasted no time retaliating, as lefty Sean Nolin plunked Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman in the first. Nolin earned an ejection. But, Soto seemingly hashed things out with Freeman, embracing each other before heading to their respective dugouts.

While that may have been the Nationals plan to handle the situation, Soto took matters into his own hand.

In the seventh inning of a 2-2 tie, Soto crushed a go-ahead solo home run, 432 feet into right center.

STARE IT DOWN JUAN

pic.twitter.com/PrYjlbrD0t
— OPT (@OnePursuitTakes) September 9, 2021

Hitting a moonshot to break a tie is an incredible way to respond to Smith’s shenanigans. However, Soto may have taken it a step further. It appears he turned around and blew a kiss in the direction of Smith and the Braves bullpen.

Did Juan Soto blow a kiss to Will Smith in the Braves' bullpen? pic.twitter.com/01ttPiKJGv
— Blake Finney (@FinneyBlake) September 9, 2021

It could be a reach. But, blowing kisses on hostile grounds is savage in its own rights. Yet, from the initial reaction of observers it appears Soto was sending a message to his nemesis.

A night after being drilled by Will Smith, Juan Soto crushed one 462 feet, enjoyed the home run trot, hung out around the plate for an extra second after touching home, and blew a little mini kiss (to the Braves’ bullpen, maybe?). That one had to feel good.
— Dan Kolko (@masnKolko) September 9, 2021

Meanwhile, Soto contends he was blowing a kiss at fans, not Smith, who were located behind the Braves bullpen.

Juan Soto says he blew a kiss to fans beyond the Braves' bullpen who were giving it to him all night. Hm.
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) September 9, 2021

The Braves host the Nationals Thursday for their final meeting of the regular season. All eyes are sure to be on Smith and the Braves hurlers when Soto comes to the plate. As Terrell Owens once said, ‘Get your popcorn ready!’

This article first appeared on DC Sports King and was syndicated with permission.

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