OAKLAND -- Albert Pujols blasted home run No. 596 of his career in the first inning of Tuesday's contest against the A's. Batting third as the Angels designated hitter, Pujols sent a 1-2 changeup from Oakland right-hander Jharel Cotton into the left-field bleachers to give his club a 1-0 lead.
His homer was a welcome sight for the Angels, who were without Mike Trout in the starting lineup for the fourth straight contest. It marked the 17th homer of Pujols' career against the A's, his fourth-highest total against an American League team.