Albert Pujols has still got it.
Last night, he played the hero for the St. Louis Cardinals, going deep off of Chicago Cubs pitcher Drew Smyly for home run No. 693, which set up Jordan Montgomery to finish off a complete-game, one-hit shutout.
Pujols has now come to within seven home runs of reaching 700 for his career.
In doing so, he also made a little history.
Smyly now has the dubious distinction of being the 449th pitcher to surrender a home run to Pujols.
With that home run, Pujols is now tied with Barry Bonds for the most pitchers homered against by one player in MLB history.
One more: Drew Smyly was the 449th different pitcher that Albert Pujols has homered against in his career.
That ties Barry Bonds for the most in MLB history.— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) August 23, 2022
Pujols Ties Bonds
Pujols may soon pass Bonds.
The way he’s hitting, he may break a record before it’s all said and done.
His return to St. Louis has been about more than just a nice farewell tour.
Pujols is back in St. Louis to shatter records and help the Cardinals win a ring.
He’s there to win one last World Series title alongside Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina.
But to have tied Bonds in an all-exclusive club is pretty amazing.
Bonds took many pitchers deep during his career, and Pujols now has a chance to pass him before the end of the season.
Pujols’ home run last night was his 14th of the season.
The veteran slugger is hitting .277 with 38 RBI and an impressive .881 OPS.
The Cardinals are fortunate to have him back as he turns back the clock to his prime days and saves his best for last.
Pujols is on an absolute tear and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, even in his age 42 season.
We’ll see if he can pass Bonds for most pitchers homered against.
NEXT: Jordan Montgomery Has Made A Key Change With The Cardinals