Albert Pujols Career Home Run No. He scored 698

ST Lewis — hitting consecutive home runs with great meaning — historical significance and the Cardinals’ chances of landing a top playoff seed — Albert Pujols He hit his 698th career home run on Friday against the Reds.

With the Cardinals trailing by two runs in the sixth inning, Pujols Reynal Espinal hit a statcast-projected 427-foot hanging slider to tie the game at 4. A blast that left his bat at 106.3 mph pulled the slugger within two. 700 runs. Only three players in AL/NL history have scored more 700 home runs — Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth — and Pujols Payment of fees He should join them before he retires at the end of this season. The Cardinals have 17 games left 6-5 win Pujols should try to hit at least two home runs at Busch Stadium.

“Ultimately, it’s about what you can do to help this ballclub,” Pujols said. “Obviously, it’s great when they come in a big situation like this. We’re trying to win the division and that’s what we need.

Five of Pujols’ past six home runs have tied the game or given the Cardinals the lead.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol joked. “That’s a big swing. He keeps doing it in meaningful situations, and that’s what matters. It’s one thing if he’s chasing. [700], but he takes an incredible approach and delivers when we need it most. Is he chasing 700? Yes, but he’s chasing a championship more than that.

Also, it has to do with the power of Pujols’ home runs this season: The Cardinals are 15-1 in games when Pujols hits a home run. Three times this season he has hit two home runs, and the Redbirds are 3-0 in those games.

“It’s unbelievable, man. Usually with the fans, they get up when the ball is hit, but here they’re already up,” marveled star third baseman Nolan Arenado, who had a double, a single, two RBIs and the defensive play of the night by throwing out Cincinnati’s Kyle Farmer. From the knees to the plate.” It’s crazy and weird. Fans were devastated when they found out it was gone. It’s great to be a part of it. Seriously, this is one of the best things I’ve ever seen.

Added star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who had two hits and an RBI: “I’m really enjoying it, and I’m grateful to be with him in this moment. It’s something I’ll never be a part of, it’s something we’ll never see again. I’ll just take it and remember it as much as I can.” Trying to keep.

“Donny was one of those guys who was always mad at me for taking first pitches, but I still take a lot of first pitches,” said Pujols, who will be in the starting lineup for Saturday’s doubleheader against the Reds. Left-hander Mike Minor. “I feel like a better hitter with two strikes. Actually, I haven’t changed [my mindset]. If it’s not the pitch I’m looking for, I’ll take it. At bat, I didn’t really want to swing at the first pitch, but I got a good pitch to hit and I responded to it.

Before Friday’s game, Pujols played catch with former Dominican Republic president Lionel Fernandez. Fernandez, who was Pujols’ guest at the game, threw out the ceremonial first pitch. He told Pujols that if he hit two home runs on Friday, he would have to cancel his business trip to New York the next day.

Pujols thought he might have had a second home run when he drove a ball over the wall in the seventh inning, but it was his career no. It was a few feet shy of being 699. He said he feels the energy from the baseball fans at Busch Stadium, but his native Dominican Republic has 11 million people.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *