At the end of the 2022 season, Albert Pujols continues to thrill the baseball world.
Yesterday against the Cincinnati Reds, the mighty Dominican slugger hit a two-run slap that went 427 feet to tie the game at four-for-all on a Cardinals three-run sixth inning.
This 19th home run in 2022 for Pujols (698th in career) means that he finds himself this morning two long balls away from reaching the 700 plateau. At the risk of repeating himself, he would only become the fourth batter in history after Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds to achieve such a feat.
This irresistible push from the St. Louis Cardinals hitter of choice isn’t just an individual accomplishment. Pujols has become a real source of inspiration for his teammates who work hard at each meeting to obtain first place in the central of the National.
By taking the measure of the Reds by a score of 6-5, the Cardinals maintain a seven and a half game priority over their closest pursuers, the Milwaukee Brewers. They battled hard to defeat the New York Yankees 7-6.
In the win, third baseman Nolan Arenado once again shone defensively as he nailed a jewel by diving to his right and pulling out a runner at home plate while executing his throw still on the ground. Arenado should logically earn another Golden Glove for his prowess on the diamond.
Of note, reliever Ryan Helsley closed the books in the top of the ninth inning with an immaculate inning. Helsley becomes the third Cardinals pitcher to achieve such a feat, striking out all three batters facing him with just nine shots. Jason Isringhausen (2002) and Bob Gibson (1969) were the others. The Cardinals reliever recorded his 18th save this season.
Many baseball fans will be watching the Cardinals’ performances between now and the end of the regular season. This concession does things well and is talked about for the right reasons. If Albert Pujols had to hit his 700th long ball at Bush Stadium, what a pleasure it would be!
