Mike Trout hit a towering two-run homer in the first inning Sunday against the Kansas City Royals, notching his 797th extra-base hit with the Los Angeles Angels and breaking the franchise record. The blast surpassed the mark previously held by Garret Anderson. It marked Trout's ninth home run of the season.
KANSAS CITY -- Mike Trout waited for the perfect moment to etch his name further into Angels history. Facing Seth Lugo with one out in the bottom of the first inning of the series opener at Kauffman Stadium, Trout crushed a 1-0 pitch with a 100 mph exit velocity to left field. The homer followed a single by teammate Zach Neto and gave Trout sole possession of the Angels' all-time extra-base hits record at 797, passing Garret Anderson, who died recently from acute necrotizing pancreatitis. Trout, entering his 16th season with the Angels and approaching his 35th birthday on August 7, also reached his 1,367th game in center field during the contest, another franchise mark for games played at the position. This achievement places Trout among elite company as one of three active players leading their franchises in extra-base hits, alongside Cleveland Guardians star José Ramírez and Miami Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton. The Angels, who have leaned on Trout's production amid a rebuilding phase, saw an early boost from his power in the matchup against the Royals.