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LOS ANGELES – Albert Pujols hit his first home run against the Los Angeles Angels since releasing him in May, sending the Los Angeles Dodgers to an 8-2 victory on Sunday.
Pujols hit a two-run homer in the second inning, connecting as a batter for Justin Turner, who came out with a left groin discomfort.
Pujols admired the 418-foot ride a little, then celebrated in jubilation with his teammates in the canoe. It was the third home run of Pujols’ career, the 14th home run of the season – the ninth in a Dodgers uniform – and the 676th of his rich career.
“It’s not the first home I hit against the Angels,” Pujols said. “For me, I’m just happy to be able to contribute to the baseball club and help win the series. I didn’t think too much about it. It can be seen in a different way since it’s a former team, but I don’t look at him like that. “
Pujols, 41, joined rookie Reid Detmers and gave the Dodgers a 5-0 lead.
Pujols chatted with his former teammates before the series started and then said it was all about winning games.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen some of these guys since I’ve been released,” Pujols said. “I still have a great relationship with 95% of these guys.”
Cody Bellinger, the former NL MVP who has struggled mightily this season, scored for the second game in a row, helping the World Series champions win two of three at Dodger Stadium in the Freeway Series.
But the day belonged to Pujols.
“It was great for him and to be ready when called since he was not in [the starting lineup] today, ”said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “The player enters the game. He’s five batting down, takes a strike at the batting and hits a homerun. I tip my cap. When it comes to hitting a former team, he’s happy to help the Dodgers win a baseball game. “
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