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 Pujols became the 26th player in major-league history to hit 500
homers with a two-run shot into the left-center field seats in the
fifth inning off Taylor Jordan (0-3), who earlier yielded Pujols’
three-run homer in the first. Pujols became the first player in
major league history to hit home runs Nos. 499 and 500 in the same
game.
While Pujols powered the Los Angeles offense, Tyler Skaggs (2-0)
allowed two runs on three hits over seven frames in his first career
start against the Nationals. Howie Kendrick and Erick Aybar added
two hits apiece for the Angels, who have won five straight and seven
of their last eight games against Washington.
J.B. Shuck led off the game with a double and Mike Trout reached
base on third baseman Anthony Rendon’s throwing error before Pujols
crushed a 1-1 pitch deep into the left-field seats. Chris Iannetta
later capped the four-run first inning with an RBI single off
Jordan, who yielded six runs (four earned) over five frames.
The Nationals, who have lost four of their last six, cut into the
deficit with two runs in the third before Pujols extended the lead
to 6-2 by crushing a 1-2 sinker into the seats to the right of the
visiting bullpen. The 34-year-old Pujols, who became the
third-youngest player to reach the 500 mark, leads the majors with
eight homers this season.
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GAME NOTEBOOK: The only two players to reach the 500 homers faster
than Pujols are Alex Rodriguez and Jimmie Foxx, who both
accomplished the feat at age 32. … Pujols came out for a curtain
call after his milestone homer following a standing ovation from the
fans at Nationals Park. … Washington, which has been outscored 25-6
in the first inning, was held to three hits overall and went hitless
after the third inning.
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