Bonds Enjoys a Record-Setting Night

Barry Bonds broke two major league records with his 38th home run Wednesday night, including one set by Babe Ruth in 1928, and the San Francisco Giants defeated the Padres, 8-6, at San Diego.

Bonds hit a two-run shot in the eighth inning against reliever Rodney Myers to break out of a tie with Reggie Jackson (1969) and Mark McGwire (1998) for the most homers before the All-Star break.

Bonds also became the quickest to 38, doing it in his team’s 71st game. Ruth hit 38 in 88 games in 1928.

This time, there was no doubt as Bonds hit a high, arcing shot into the seats in right field on a 2-and-1 pitch.

On Tuesday night, Bonds’ 37th homer banged off the front of an advertising sign that hangs just above and a little behind the fence in right-center, and bounced back onto the field. The umpires huddled for a few moments before waving Bonds home.

Bonds has 59 homers against the Padres, his highest total against any team. It was his 30th at Qualcomm Stadium, his highest total as a visitor at any stadium.

It was the 532nd of his career, leaving him two short of tying Jimmie Foxx for 10th on the all-time list.

Bonds, who also had a run-scoring groundout, has homered in his last six games against the Padres.

The Padres can rest somewhat easy--Manager Dusty Baker said before Wednesday night’s game that he plans to give Bonds today’s game off.

Chicago 9, St. Louis 4--Sammy Sosa hit two home runs, one a grand slam, to help the Cubs end a 13-game losing streak at St. Louis.

The Cubs had not won at Busch Stadium since Oct. 2, 1999.

Houston 7, Colorado 2--Wade Miller gave up four hits in seven innings at Houston to win his fifth consecutive home decision.

Miller (8-3) gave up two runs, one walk and struck out six to remain undefeated at Enron Field since Sept. 13.

New York 4, Montreal 3--Timo Perez and Robin Ventura homered at New York to give the Mets a rare first-inning boost en route to their season-high fourth consecutive victory.

Philadelphia 9, Pittsburgh 5--Omar Daal and his defense nearly squandered a seven-run lead, but the Phillies held on at Pittsburgh to end the Pirates’ season-high four-game winning streak.

Atlanta 7, Florida 2--Greg Maddux gave up only three hits in seven innings to lead the Braves at Atlanta.

Cincinnati 11, Milwaukee 3--Jason LaRue hit the first of the Reds’ four homers at Cincinnati and the Reds ended an eight-game losing streak.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

Chasing History

The pursuit of the major league home run record for a season is in full swing again, with Barry Bonds taking aim at Mark McGwire’s record of 70 set in 1998:

HOME RUNS AFTER TEAM’S 71ST GAME

BARRY BONDS (2001): 38

*

MARK McGWIRE (1998): 33

* Bonds update: Set record for most home runs before the All-Star break. The previous record was held by Reggie Jackson (1969) and McGwire (1998).

* Factoid: McGwire didn’t hit his 38th homer in 1998 until his team’s 89th game.