Albert Pujols hit his 698th home run, a tying two-run drive in the sixth inning that sparked the St. Louis Cardinals over the Cincinnati Reds 6-5 on Friday night.
Pujols hit a first-pitch slider from Raynel Espinal 427 feet into the left-field stands for his 19th home run this season, tying the score 4-4.
Pujols trails only Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755) and Babe Ruth (714) on the career list.
“It’s just being out there and contributing to this ballclub and this organization,” Pujols said.
I think just getting every opportunity that I’ve been getting, especially lately, and just trying to help this ballclub to win.”
With 2,203 RBI, the 42-year-old Pujols moved within 11 of Ruth for second, behind Aaron’s 2,297.
“That’s pretty cool history to be a part of,” Cardinals catcher Andrew Knizner said. “I could tell from his first pitch, Helsley, I was like, ‘OK, he’s ready to go.’”