New York Yankees' pinch hitter Alex Rodriguez hits a home run tying Willie Mays record for most home runs during the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park Friday. — Reuters
BOSTON — The New York Yankees' drug-tainted slugger Alex Rodriguez belted his 660th career home run Friday to tie Willie Mays for fourth place on Major League Baseball's all-time list. Rodriguez entered the game as a pinch-hitter and connected in the eighth inning at Boston's Fenway Park on what was the game-winning blow in the New York Yankees' 3-2 victory. Nicknamed “A-Rod,” the slugger was greeted in the Yankees dugout with high-fives and hugs. “Any time that you're sandwiched between Willie Mays and Babe Ruth is pretty special. I am thankful to the Yankees and Major League Baseball for allowing me to play,” Rodriguez told reporters. The 39-year-old Rodriguez is playing his first season since being suspended for all of 2014 due to a doping violation and has belted six home runs so far in his comeback campaign. The blast triggered a $6 million bonus clause in A-Rod's contract for career milestones, though there have been reports the Yankees may contest the payment. Despite the controversy surrounding the slugger, Mays released a statement congratulating Rodriguez. “Congratulations to Alex Rodriguez on his 660th home run,” Mays said. “Milestones in baseball are meant to be broken and I wish him continued success throughout his career.” Former Yankee Ruth is third on the all-time list with 714 homers, behind Hank Aaron (755) and Barry Bonds (762). “Willie Mays has always been a hero to me,” Rodriguez told MLB Network after the game. “A year ago today, I never would've imagined even playing baseball. “But a day like today, I think of my mother, my daughters, the people at the Boys and Girls Club where I learned to play baseball.” Rodriguez was moved by the reaction of his teammates and manager Joe Girardi, who congratulated him as he returned to the bench. “It was very emotional for me,” Rodriguez said. “The last few years have been rough. To see their reaction ... it was pretty emotional.” Royals 4, Tigers 1: Chris Young threw five no-hit innings and designated hitter Kendrys Morales drove in three runs as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Detroit Tigers. Morales was instrumental in helping the Royals improve to 16-7 as the Tigers (15-9) failed to get a hit until the eighth inning. Other results: Astros 4, Mariners 3; Rays 2, Orioles 0; Indians 9, Blue Jays 4; Twins 1, White Sox 0; Athletics 7, Rangers 5. National League Cardinals 2, Pirates 1 (10 innings): Matt Adams hit a bases-loaded RBI single in the bottom of the 10th inning to lift St Louis to a win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Cardinals improved their Major League-best record to 16-6 while the Pirates (12-11) fell to 4-3 on their nine-game road trip. Mets 4, Nationals 0: Matt Harvey threw seven shutout innings to win for the fifth time in as many starts as the New York Mets snapped a three-game losing streak with a victory over the Washington Nationals. Michael Cuddyer hit a solo homer in the fourth for the Mets (16-8) and third baseman Daniel Murphy laced a three-run double in the eighth. Center fielder Juan Lagares had two hits. The Nationals (10-14) had their three-game winning streak snapped. Cubs 1, Brewers 0: Jon Lester found his form with seven shutout innings as the Chicago Cubs beat the Milwaukee Brewers. Lester (1-2) allowed three hits and struck out four to collect his first win for the Cubs (13-8), who got a home run from rookie second baseman Addison Russell, the first of his career. Other results: Braves 4, Reds 3; Marlins 4, Phillies 3; Dodgers 8, Diamondbacks 0; Padres 14, Rockies 3. In an Inter-League game, San Francisco Giants defeated LA Angels 3-2. — Agencies
