Pujols becomes fifth-fastest to 300 HRs

ST. LOUIS

Friday, 04 July 2008 19:35:53

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Albert Pujols hit his 300th career home run Friday night, becoming the fifth-youngest player to reach the milestone.

The Cardinals slugger lined his 18th homer of the season on a 2-2 pitch from the Cubs' Bob Howry in the eighth inning, the ball banging off the foul pole in left field. He beat Hall of Famer Mel Ott for the fifth-fastest by one day.

Pujols reached the mark at 28 years, 170 days. Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees is the youngest player to reach 300 homers at 27 years, 249 days.

Pujols is 5-for-9 with two homers in his career against Howry.