PITTSBURGH — Albert Pujols hit his 703rd career home run Monday night, edging Babe Ruth to second in RBIs.
The 42-year-old slugger sent the ball over the fence for the St. Louis Cardinals at the expense of Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Mitch Keller. He slammed a two-run hit into left field to open the scoring in the sixth inning.
It was Pujols’ 35th long ball at PNC Park, his most in total at an opposing stadium.
The slap took Pujols’ RBI total to 2,216, passing Ruth in the process. Major League Baseball’s all-time leader is Hank Aaron with 2,297.
“To pass Babe Ruth is a great achievement,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said after a 3-2 loss. “To see him hit a home run in that situation was fun to watch. You feel pretty good every time he hits and his home runs have been very meaningful.”
Pujols has hit 24 homers this season and is one of four MLB players to hit the 700 homer mark. Other players in this select club are Barry Bonds (762), Aaron (755) and Ruth (714).
Pujols, who will retire after the season, did not speak to reporters after the match. The three-time MVP winner hadn’t hit a hit in eight career games against Keller.
“It’s an amazing time to be with him and with this team,” Cardinals starting pitcher Jose Quintana said. He continues to believe in his abilities. The most impressive thing is that he hits a home run and then he’s ready for the next one. He wants to continue.”
