Watch: Albert Pujols smashes home run No. 698 against Reds

St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Albert Pujols (5) salutes the fans as he receives a standing ovation after hitting a game-tying two-run home run for his 698th career home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium. Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Cardinals' Albert Pujols inches closer to 700 HR, smashing No. 698 against Reds

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 9/16/22

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols is just two home runs away from baseball immortality.

Pujols has thrilled fans as he pursues 700 career home runs, and on Friday night against the Cincinnati Reds, Pujols added another magical chapter to the journey.

In the sixth inning, with the Cardinals trailing 4-2, Pujols tied the game with a two-run shot for home run No. 698.

Albert leaves NO DOUBT! pic.twitter.com/lj7hUlIxQj
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) September 17, 2022

The 42-year-old has 21 games remaining to reach the historical 700 mark. If Pujols is successful, he'll join only Babe Ruth (714), Henry Aaron (755) and Barry Bonds (762) as the only players in baseball history to surpass 700 long-balls.

Pujols has been on a tear as of late. Since August 10, Pujols has more home runs than anyone else in baseball, followed by Los Angeles Dodgers Mookie Betts and teammate Paul Goldschmidt, who both have nine over that span.

Most HR, NL hitters, since Aug. 10:

Albert Pujols 12
Mookie Betts 9
Paul Goldschmidt 9

Did I really just type that?
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) September 17, 2022

The future Hall of Famer has also come through in the clutch for the Cardinals. Including Friday night's shot, Pujols' last three home runs have tied the game or given St. Louis the lead.

A recap of how Albert Pujols has timed his past three HRs.

No. 696: Ties game vs. #Pirates.
No. 697: Flips lead on #Pirates.
No. 698: Ties game vs. #Reds.

History impacting the present.#stlcards #Cardinals #HOF #MLB
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) September 17, 2022