Oct 2, 2022; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols (5) reacts after hitting a solo home run for his 702nd career home run during the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Albert Pujols hits career HR No. 702, ties Babe Ruth for second all-time in RBI

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 10/2/22

Albert Pujols certainly knows how to rise to the occasion.

Twenty-one years ago, Pujols homered in his first game at Busch Stadium. On Sunday, Pujols' final regular season game at the stadium, he went deep once more.

In the bottom of the third inning, facing Pittsburgh Pirates starter Roansy Contreras, Pujols blasted career home run No. 702 and, in the process, tied the legendary Babe Ruth on the all-time RBI list.

In his final regular season home game, Albert Pujols goes deep.

You can't script it. pic.twitter.com/S1tBim507J
— MLB (@MLB) October 2, 2022

Pujols' 2,211 RBI places him second all-time alongside Ruth. Only Hank Aaron (2,297) has more RBI than Pujols in Major League history.

With home run No. 702, Pujols now sits 12 away from tying Ruth for third all-time. Pujols remains fourth in baseball history in home runs, trailing only Ruth (714), Aaron (755), and Barry Bonds (762).

Nearing the conclusion of Sunday's game, the Pujols walked off the field alongside catcher Yadier Molina and longtime pitcher Adam Wainwright in a touching tribute to three of the franchise's most influential players.

Sunday won't be the last glimpse of Pujols for Cardinals fans, as St. Louis will be heading to the postseason, having already clinched the NL Central Division title.

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