Five days after equaling Willie Mays for fifth all-time in home runs, Albert Pujols spliced his 661st homer on Friday night against the Rangers.
It was another impressive milestone for Pujols. He hit a hit off a 1-2 fastball by left-hander Wes Benjamin in the fifth inning to give the Angels a 2-0 lead. It was the fifth homer in 35 games this season for Pujols.
In the seventh inning, Pujols got her out again, hitting his 662 career homer, a slam off right-hander Demarcus Evans.
Only Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), Babe Ruth (714) and Alex Rodriguez (696) have hit more home runs than Pujols. It’s another achievement for the 20-season veteran. He has already surpassed the 3,000 hit mark and is the only player to be part of the 650 homers and 650 doubles club. In addition, he edged out Craig Biggio for fifth all-time in two-base hits and Alex Rodriguez for second in RBIs, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
Pujols, 40, spoke about Mays on Sunday, saying it was an honor to hear his name alongside that of the Giants legend. Mays spoke with the Dominican at the beginning of the season, when the Angels were in San Francisco, and told him that “it was time” to get over him.
“Legend,” Pujols said Sunday. “Is awesome. It’s something you dream of. I had the opportunity to share with him several times when we went to San Francisco. It is simply a legend; It’s amazing to hear my name next to Willie Mays. It is simply amazing. It is something that I will tell my children, grandchildren and it is a legacy that will live on forever. “ (GG) (Taken MLB in Spanish)