Home Run Frenzy: Sosa and McGwire Keep Pacing the MLB Pace
Chicago Cubs' slugger Sammy Sosa became the first player in franchise history to hit 50 home runs, but it wasn't enough to carry the team to a win as they lost 13-3 to Houston. Sosa's 51st home run is just two shy of St. Louis' Mark McGwire's pace, who hit his 53rd on Sunday in Pittsburgh, also a National League record. The teams' performance came in a wild weekend of games, with multiple home runs, comebacks, and blowouts.
Key Takeaways:
- Sammy Sosa's 51st home run is the second-most in Chicago Cubs history, with the club record being 56 held by Hack Wilson in 1930.
- Mark McGwire hit his 53rd home run, becoming the first National Leaguer to achieve that feat in 49 years and setting a new NL record.
- Craig Biggio hit a pair of three-run homers and Brad Ausmus had four hits, including a three-run homer, and five RBI in the Astros' 13-3 win over the Cubs.
- San Diego won a wild game against Milwaukee, with Jim Leyritz's two-run double in the 10th inning giving the Padres the victory.
- Barry Bonds became the first player to hit 400 home runs and steal 400 bases, helping the Giants beat the Marlins.
- Several other players are nearing notable home run and stolen base milestones, including Willie Mays, Andre Dawson, and Bobby Bonds.
Statistics:
- Sammy Sosa's 51 home runs are the second-most in Chicago Cubs history.
- Mark McGwire's 53 home runs set a new National League record.
- The Astros' 9 1/2 game lead over the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central is their largest of the season.
- The teams combined for 33 hits against 12 pitchers in the 13-3 win by the Astros over the Cubs.
- Barry Bonds is the first player to hit 400 home runs and steal 400 bases.
Sources:
- Associated Press, Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
- Associated Press, Pittsburgh, PA
- Associated Press, Milwaukee, WI
- Associated Press, San Francisco, CA
- Associated Press, Miami, FL
- Associated Press, New York, NY
- Associated Press, Montreal, QC, CAN