scheduled tribe. LOUIS - Albert Pujols rewarded an enthusiastic crowd by hitting a home run on his return to Busch Stadium, giving the Los Angeles Dodgers a 7-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night.
Justin Turner made home twice and Will Smith also made home for playoff contenders the Dodgers, who won for the sixth time in eight games. St. Louis has lost four in a row.
A star slugger who led the Cardinals to a pair of World Series championships, 41-year-old Pujols made his second appearance at Busch Stadium after playing for St. Louis from 2001 to 2011. Pujols took a 40-second standing ovation when his name was announced with the bat in the first innings, as catcher and longtime teammate Yadier Molina stepped in front of the plate to extend the cheer. He had a short hug before Pujols arrived. Pujols immediately called J.A. Drilled the fourth pitch from Happy on a line above the wall on the left. It was his 679th career home run and 17th run of the season.
"It's one of those things you hope might happen," said Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts. "But the chances are pretty improbable. Getting a standing ovation and then homering that first at-bat. Storybook. I'm sure the game honors you. Just the way Albert played the game for so long." , the way he had to go.
Pujols tried to downplay the moment.
"When it happens, you let it happen," he said. "It's part of the game. Embrace the moment. But try not to get too caught up."
His teammates had no problem enjoying this special moment.
"It was so surreal," Turner said. "Great to everyone in the stadium - not just Albert. Every time he kills Homer, you're watching history."
The 10-time All-Star attracted a similar fan response when he returned to St. Louis with the Los Angeles Angels for the first time in 2019. He was given a standing ovation, including one minute, in all 12 plate appearances in that series. Tribute to his first trip to the plate. He also homed in the first game of that series.
Pujols, who could not play in the first match of the series on Monday night, went for 1 wicket. The first baseman signed a 10-year deal with the Angels after the 2011 season, then joined the Dodgers last May.