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Pujols Hits Amazing Three Home Runs During World Series Game, First Since 1977

Pujols Hits Three Home Runs During World Series Game, First Since 1977

St. Louis Cardinals' Albert Pujols hits a three-run home run during the sixth inning of Game 3 of baseball's World Series against the Texas Rangers Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Albert Pujols began the game hoping to shake his slump and maybe get a hit.

He did that, and a whole lot more: He produced the defining game of his monster career, and perhaps the greatest hitting performance in World Series history.

Pujols launched three long homers, drove in six runs and finished with five hits – tying Series records with each accomplishment – as the St. Louis Cardinals romped past the Texas Rangers 16-7 on Saturday night for a 2-1 edge.

“Just pretty special,” he said.

The three-time NL MVP matched Babe Ruth and Reggie Jackson for the most home runs in a game, connecting on fastballs from three different pitchers. Pujols added two singles and set a Series mark with 14 total bases.

“Hopefully, at the end of my career, I can look back and say, ‘Wow, what a game it was in Game 3 in 2011,” Pujols said.

And to think, his night began with a groundout that left him 0 for 7 against Texas

“I mean, with Babe and Reggie, that’s pretty good company right there,” Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said.

The outburst by Pujols came a day after he was barbed by the media for not sticking around to talk about a Game 2 error and loss. This time, everyone was talking about him.

“When the opportunity presents itself to put him on the bag, I’m not going to let him swing the bat,” Texas manager Ron Washington said. “But tonight, we just couldn’t get the ball out of the middle of the plate and up, and he just didn’t miss.

“I saw him on TV but I’ll tell you, tonight was something special.”

The Cardinals mashed their way to the highest-scoring game in their storied postseason history, breaking away after first base umpire Ron Kulpa’s admitted blown call.

After two taut games in St. Louis, this suddenly turned into a messy slugfest. Pujols, the most feared slugger in the majors, was right in the middle – he became the first player in Series history to get hits in four straight innings.

So much for any worries about Pujols making a dent.

“I was hitting the ball hard, but I wasn’t getting any hits,” he said. “But all it takes is one good game. I got five hits, what are they going to say about it?”

Texas fans booed after Kulpa’s miss helped the Cardinals score four times in the fourth for a 5-0 lead. The crowd at Rangers Ballpark went silent when Pujols started swinging for the fences, and beyond. His three-run shot in the sixth rattled the windows of the club level high above left field.

Game 4 is Sunday night, with Derek Holland starting for the Rangers against Edwin Jackson. It will be the back half of a St. Louis-Texas style doubleheader – earlier in the day, the Rams play the Dallas Cowboys right across the parking lot.

This game had an NFL score, too. The teams combined for 23 runs and 28 hits – at Busch Stadium, they teamed for eight runs and 23 hits in two games.

“You leave a ball up in this park it’s going to carry a little more than it does in St. Louis,” Pujols said.

Pujols joined Ruth, who hit three homers in games against the Cardinals in 1926 and 1928, and Jackson’s three-homer show against the Dodgers in 1977.

“It’s an honor to be named in the same category as those guys,” Pujols said.

Pujols’ six RBIs matched Bobby Richardson in 1960 and Hideki Matsui in 2009. He tied the Series mark for hits in a game set by Paul Molitor in 1982.

Good-luck charm Allen Craig homered for St. Louis and Yadier Molina drove in four runs. The Cardinals broke it open by scoring four times in the fourth, three more in the fifth and four in the sixth.

Adrian Beltre kept delivering for Texas, getting four hits. Nelson Cruz hit his seventh homer of the postseason and Michael Young also connected for the Rangers. But after Ian Kinsler popped up with the bases loaded to end the fifth with Texas trailing 8-6, the Cardinals pulled away.

Pujols, however, showed exactly why he is the most prized free agent of all going into this winter.

The big slugger connected off Alexi Ogando in the sixth, hit a two-run drive to left-center off Michael Gonzalez in the seventh and tagged Darren Oliver for a solo shot to left-center with two outs in the ninth.

“When Pujols is at the plate, that’s the first time he did damage. We fought back pretty good, the next thing you know he’s up there batting with guys on base and brings them in,” Oliver said. “That’s what he does. That‘s why he’s the hitter he is.”

By the end, Rangers president Nolan Ryan was rubbing his forehead and it was hard to keep track of all the hits. Balls were rolling into the corners, sailing over the fence and going most everywhere.

In the seventh, a fan wearing a Rangers shirt threw a Wiffle ball toward St. Louis left fielder Matt Holliday as he was preparing to catch a routine fly. The Rangers said the young man and his friend were ejected.

Early in the game, it appeared Kulpa’s call would be the focal point.

The Cardinals led 1-0 when Pujols led off the fourth with a single. Holliday followed with a perfect double-play ball, but was ruled safe by Kulpa at first. Replays clearly show part-time first baseman Mike Napoli caught second baseman Kinsler’s high toss and slapped a tag on Holliday before he reached the bag.

Kulpa said he thought Holliday beat the tag. The Rangers argued, to no avail.

“Well, he missed the play and I knew he missed the play when I went out there,” Washington said.

After the game, the umpire issued a mea Kulpa.

“I saw a replay when I walked off the field, and the tag was applied before his foot hit the bag,” he said.

The Cardinals quickly scored four times, helped when Napoli threw wide to the plate for an error that let two runs cross. Texas fans booed as replays of the bad call circulated – they won’t be happy to learn, either, that Kulpa was born, raised and lives in the St. Louis area.

“Has nothing to do with it,” Kulpa said.

For the Cardinals, perhaps it was a little evening up, albeit many years later. The call came four days before the anniversary of umpire Don Denkinger’s missed call at first base in the 1985 World Series that severely cost St. Louis.

Starters Kyle Lohse of St. Louis and Matt Harrison were both pulled in the fourth inning. Soon after, it was clear that no pitchers were going to be too effective.

Lance Lynn earned the win with 2 1-3 innings of relief and Harrison took the loss.

NOTES: La Russa earned his 68th postseason victory. He moved ahead of Bobby Cox into second place. Joe Torre leads with 84. … Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki threw out the first ball. The 7-foot Nowitzki fired a fastball from the mound that Young scooped. There has never been a 7-foot major leaguer, though 7-1 pitcher Loek Van Mil is in the Angels’ system.

Comments (27)

  • jsDway
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 6:25pm

    You just gotta love it folks – St. Louis Cardinals are the team! Albert Pujols is a great American, giving all the credit to his Creator God! Albert Pujols is a very good testimony to the love that God has for all his children (John 3:16) <3

    Report Post »  
  • oneillptgd
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:30pm

    The stars at night are big and bright…….. deep in the heart of Texas. Our generations new Mr. October. Albert

    Report Post »  
    • chazman
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:43pm

      … both teams are playing excellent ball. I‘m looking forward to seeing tonight’s game!

      Report Post »  
  • TxMadMac
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 4:24pm

    When the adult players of games like football, baseball, basketball etc began making more money than the truly necessary people in our society such as teachers, firemen and policemen, then I made up my mind it was time for me to quit supporting them and to only give my support to the latter. I could barely name to my grandkids on one hand any jocks that are worthy of their admiration. While , just in our small town of about 9,000 there are dozens of the latter I could name and they know and admire as well. The content of your charachter is more important than fame and fortune..

    Report Post »  
    • Magovac500
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 4:42pm

      What should they make? Firemen, policemen etc. don’t generate great amounts of revenue, TV contracts for professional sports do. How would you divide it . . . give it all to the owners, to the government? It’s a lot easier to become a civil servant than a professional athelte. They earn what they receive. Respect them both. They both earn their money.

      Report Post »  
  • ozchambers
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 3:09pm

    Wow! Glenn Beck should give this guy a medal or something!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DosciI-Ulac

    Report Post » ozchambers  
  • Magovac500
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 2:03pm

    Big Deal, Reggie did it on three first pitches ;>)

    Report Post »  
  • ofallon
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 1:16pm

    It’s just crazy. I went off the reservation last night and had an extra Heineken. Couldn’t help it. Hope Edwin Jackson pitches good tonight. He looks like Gibby with his square jaw and work horse ability. He needs to toughen up and get focused tonight. This is the World Series for Pete’s sake.

    Report Post »  
  • sailsalot
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 1:05pm

    Could someone send a copy of this article to the Yankee first baseman. third baseman and right fielder.
    They could use some help understanding what great players do in the post season.

    Report Post »  
  • bhohater
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 11:31am

    I’m a lifelong Cardinal fan but both teams are class acts in my opinion. No showboating, just baseball.

    Report Post » bhohater  
  • grandmaof5
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:53am

    Amazing what good things happen when you have God, family, and charity in your life. What an amazing man. Perhaps this should be a lesson for other athletes and for the people who trashed Pujols for accepting Glenn’s tribute at the Restoring Honor Rally. There is a Higher Power than the person swinging the bat, or throwing the pass, or whatever the endeavor. Tim Tebow is another prime example of one of God’s children using his life to the fullest for others.

    Report Post »  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 6:00pm

      If Pujols and Tebow don’t show doubters what faith can do, with hard work, they are the losers. Congrats, Tim, on your first NFL start and win! God bless.

      Report Post »  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:48am

    Boo-hoo for our RANGERS, but congratulations for PUJOLS! WOW!

    Report Post »  
  • cobra two
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:46am

    Yawn…stretch…zzzzzzzzz zzzzzzz snore.

    Report Post »  
  • Lesterp
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:39am

    The new “Mr. October”. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy!

    Report Post » Lesterp  
  • suffolkva
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:01am

    I guess it’s in the Cards!! :)

    Report Post »  
    • demint.disciple
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:12am

      When is the PUJOLS bar coming out ? I wonder if it will be round like the reggie bar or long with the baby ruth..

      Report Post » demint.disciple  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:20am

      This is one game I wish I had bothered to watch…figures a record would be broken when I miss it.
      http://artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm (cat folk gallery, new art added)

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • BorderCollieFeeder
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:43am

      Albert is the MAN – we were so stoked to watch him rock last night and all through the post season! As an athlete, a father and husband, a leader, a role model for youth and a Christian you are one impressive dude. It’s great to see the good guys win – by following through and doing the right things. Continued blessings, Albert Pujols, and thanks for giving us something to feel good about in all the bad news and crazy times right now! :)

      Report Post » BorderCollieFeeder  
  • Redistributor
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:01am

    Looked like the staduim was light on fans.

    Report Post »  
  • YepImaConservative
    Posted on October 23, 2011 at 8:59am

    I would like to congratulate Albert Pujols and the 2011 Cardinals for their win last night… I would also like to thank the “2004” St. Louis Cards for a “sweeping” good time! Lol.

    BoSox fan!

    Report Post » YepImaConservative  
    • joe1234
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 12:45pm

      and where are the red sox? oh yeah sitting at home…LOL

      Report Post » joe1234  
    • sailsalot
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 1:08pm

      Living in the past. loser.

      Report Post »  
    • YepImaConservative
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 1:56pm

      LOL. Boys, boys…. there’s always next year. But man, what a series that was in 2004 huh? First the Red Sox came back from 3 games behind (never before accomplished), to take the next 4 games from those dreaded Yankees in the ALCS! Now THAT was a CHOKE!!!

      Then up came the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series and the Red Sox were again the underdog. BING, BANG, BOOM, SWEEP! Lol.

      The Red Sox can lose the rest of my life-time and never win again (oh yeah… forgot 2007)… lose ’till their heart’s content, choke from beginning to end… and I’m still a happy man! Lol.

      Btw. Texas over St. Louis! Heh-heh-heh!

      Report Post » YepImaConservative  
    • joe1234
      Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:55pm

      yeah there’s always next year GO YANKEES!! oh and how many world series titles do the yankees have? and the cardinals (hint they’re number 2 behind the best team in the AL, and we ALL KNOW WHO THAT IS ( and it ain’t dirty sox) LOL

      oh did you notice these headlines??

      With historic collapse, Red Sox miss playoffs

      Boston blows 9-game lead in final month, ends with ‘shocking’ loss to O’s
      Boston became the first team to miss the postseason after leading by as many as nine games for a playoff spot entering September, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

      “We’ll go down in history as one of the worst collapses in history, so it definitely doesn’t feel good to be part of that,” left fielder Carl Crawford said. “We had high expectations, and to fall short the way we did is definitely disappointing for us.”

      yeah….and the cardinals weren’t expected to be in the playoffs…nor were they expected to beat the phillies, nor the drunks (brewers) and they’re expected to lose the world series…and they’re ahead…LOL

      Report Post » joe1234  

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