Drew Smyly was in the middle of a no-hitter against the St. Louis Cards when he made a mistake to Albert Pujols.
The Cubs left-handed pitcher threw the pitch where he wanted it to go. The ball was 4.23 feet off the ground. Smyly wanted a change-of-eye-level offering to set up Pujols for the next pitch. The next pitch wasn't available.
Pujols swung at the high pitch and pulled it deep into the air for his 693rd career home run. As his teammates watched, he rounded the bases.
Nolan said it was insane. Most people don't hit balls like that.
It was the second highest pitch hit for a home run. It was the highest Pujols has hit since 2008 and only the third highest pitch he has ever thrown.
Smyly said that he was "The Machine" for a reason. He is back.
The only run of the game was a home run by one of the greatest hitters in the game's history.
It would be noteworthy if that was all he did this month. It wasn't a single event. No one is happier about Pujols' hot streak than his teammates.
Goldschmidt said it was cool to be a part of history. I won't get to be a part of it again. I want to take it all in.
Nolan Arenado said that he believes he should never lose a battle or be beaten. At this age, even. I admire that.
In August, Pujols hasn't been beaten a lot. Out of players with at least 40 plate appearances this month, he is tied for first in home runs. Since the beginning of July, 10 of his 14 homers have come. Barry Bonds has never hit more than 13 home runs in July or later of a season. Pujols' at-bats are just as important as they were when he was a member of the Cards.
Arenado said that if he had an O-fer and struck out he would put his hat down. I want to hurry up and see Albert Pujols, I hear he's coming up. He puts in a lot of work and I am not surprised.
People close to Pujols often say that this is not an accident. He has been looking for ways to improve for more than two decades.
Smyly said that Pujols' recent approach at the plate was covering up his pitches. You can feel him trying to hit the ball in front of the plate against left-handed pitchers. It's something you hear a lot in baseball. It's not like what most hitters do. He's trying to hit the ball in front of the plate, and it seems like he wants to pull everything. If you're doing that you have to use a pitch. Right now, he's hitting both.
Pujols has hit three of his home runs off breaking balls and one off a changeup. Winning is the most important thing for Pujols, even though his ability to adjust his approach has put individual accomplishments within reach.
He's here to help the team win, and that's the cool thing. He made that point.
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Pujols has helped the Cards win a lot of games. When this month began, they were three games out of first place in the NL Central, but now have a six game lead.
Arenado wasn't with him when he was at his peak. Adam Wainwright and some of his friends say this is what he would do nightly.
He has a unique perspective. He was a teammate of Pujols from 2005 to 2011.
"He has a sound when he hits it," the pitcher said. He does that thing, where he stands up, and it is a home run. He has that expression on his face.
When Pujols sees the ball is leaving the field, he looks at the turn and imitates it. Pujols and Bonds are both tied for the most home runs hit off the most pitchers in MLB history.
Smyly said that he had gotten him. He's the greatest of all time.
His teammates agreed and the home run was still talked about in the locker room.
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Infielder Paul DeJong was standing on the top step of the dugout when he hit that one. I couldn't believe it when I saw where it was. If that ball hits the wall, he might not get a double. He knows when it's time to get one.
You look at your teammates and ask how high it was. He got on top. But it's Albert. Do you do anything? That is a great pitch. A lot of people are out of town.
When asked about Pujols' 14th home run of the season, Marmol tilts his head slightly.
Marmol said you don't get to that pitch and hit it out. I can't remember who was standing next to me, I think it was Goldy, who asked how he could do that. He's done some pretty special things of his own.
Goldschmidt is a candidate for the first Triple Crown title in a decade. He is still amazed by what Pujols has done this season.
There are at least five moments with him this year. That was a great swing. It's pretty funny. The only thing you can do is smile. He's one of the best.
The conversation almost always goes back to Pujols' presence in the locker room.
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After getting recalled from the minor leaguers, DeJong got encouragement and a hug. The future Hall of Fame player gave Gorman a lot of advice. Pujols is a mentor Juan Yepez can rely on.
Pujols will be remembered for more than the home runs and record-breaking statistics he has put up in a career that started in St. Louis.
Pujols hasn't said if he'll return for a 23rd season in 2023, but he has seven homers from one milestone and 21 from another.
DeJong isn't sure if he wants to be done after this year. He's playing really well. He will go out on top if he goes out this way. I believe he can pass Babe Ruth.
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