Photo by Keith Allison 
Yesterday – July 26, 2019 – Red Sox’ RF and lead off hitter Mookie Betts notched his fifth career three-homer game. That is as many three-home run games as Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Harmon Killebrew and Mickey Mantle combined. (Ruth had two, the other one each.)
For the day, Betts went four-for-five, with three homers and a double, four runs scored and five RBI – as the Red Sox beat the rival Yankees 10-5.
Betts is now just one shy of the career record for three-homer games, which is shared by Johnny Mize and Sammy Sosa. Among those with five career three-homer games, you will find Joe Carter, Carlos Delgado, Dave Kingman, Mark McGwire and Alex Rodriguez (along with Betts, of course).
Three’s a Crowd – Or at least More Crowded.
Betts’ three-homer game marked a record four consecutive days in which MLB saw a player notch a three-homer game.
- July 23 – Robinson Cano, 2B, Mets
- July 24 – Paul DeJong, SS, Cardinals
- July 25 – Nelson Cruz, DH, Twins
- July 26 – Mookie Betts, RF, Red Sox
Here’s a look at the game’s top dozen home run hitters and the number of three-homer games for each. (Note: I went to number-twelve to include Harmon Killebrew for BBRT’s Minnesota readers.)
Betts, by the way, shares the record for the most three-homer games in a season (two). Betts had two three-homer games in 2016 and 2018. Johnny Mize had two three-homer games in 1938 and 1940.
A Promising Performance
Reports from MLB.com indicate that before yesterday’s three-homer outburst, the Red Sox’ Mookie Betts met with a 10-year-old fan and Make-A-Wish participant named Nico – and promised to step up and go deep against the Yankees. Promise made – promise kept.
Primary Resources: MLB.com; Baseball-Reference.com.
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