Albert Pujols gets curtain call after home run against the Cardinals
Albert Pujols’ return to St. Louis got its signature moment Saturday.
The former St. Louis Cardinals star thrilled the Busch Stadium faithful for perhaps one final time, getting the Los Angeles Angels on the board with a solo home run in the seventh inning.
It was one of the Angels few highlights in a 4-2 loss, but Cardinals fans saw it as a highlight as well.
Pujols has been fully embraced in his return after leaving for Los Angeles in free agency following the 2011 season. He’s been given a standing ovation before each plate appearance in the series first two games. That included as he walked to the plate before lifting off against Cardinals starter Dakota Hudson.
He was embraced once more as he rounded the bases.
Then came the curtain call.
We usually don't share home runs of the other team, but... pic.twitter.com/3ZzXqxGGBh
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) June 22, 2019
What a moment.
You won’t see a crowd respond to a visiting player’s home run like that again anytime soon.
For Pujols, it’s home run No. 646 for his near-certain Hall of Fame career. It was the 205th he’s hit in St. Louis, and the first as a visitor.
Albert Pujols homers at Busch Stadium, 2,830 days since the last time he homered there.
— Christopher Kamka (@ckamka) June 22, 2019
Between the ovations, the hugs with Yadier Molina, and the home run, we’d say Pujols’ return has been pretty satisfying. The only thing missing is a victory. The Cardinals have taken the first two games in the series, meaning it’s the St. Louis fans who are getting the most satisfaction.
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