Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols hit his 698th career home run Friday night in a 6-5 win over the Cincinnati Reds.
With one out in the sixth inning, Pujols, 42, swung at the first pitch from reliever Raynel Espinal, an 84 mph slider, and launched a 427-foot shot out to left field. The two-run shot on Friday tied the score at 4-4.
“I was just looking for a good pitch to hit,” he said. “I put the best swing on the night [on it]. Actually … my last one I thought was gone, too, but obviously as you guys know this place, this place is tough.”
Albert Pujols comes in CLUTCH with No. 6️⃣9️⃣8️⃣!!!
TV: Bally Sports Midwest
Stream: https://t.co/VcFMyD4kpR #STLCards pic.twitter.com/Lv3mP8hx2I— Bally Sports Midwest (@BallySportsMW) September 17, 2022
A recap of how Albert Pujols has timed his past three HRs.
No. 696: Ties game vs. #Pirates.
No. 697: Flips lead on #Pirates.
No. 698: Ties game vs. #Reds.History impacting the present.#stlcards #Cardinals #HOF #MLB
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) September 17, 2022