MLB.com reports:
During Spring Training in 2018, the Reds signed third baseman Eugenio Suárez to a seven-year, $66 million contract extension with the hope he would be a cornerstone player for years to come. That deal already seems like a shrewd bargain. It only took until the contract’s second year for Suarez to have one of the best offensive seasons in the franchise’s long history.
With two home runs during the Reds’ 3-1 victory over the D-backs on Sunday, Suarez now has 47 homers this season, tied for the Major League lead with the Mets' Pete Alonso. But that wasn’t the feat Suarez cared as much about.
Suarez now shares the top spot for most homers in a season by a Venezuelan player with Andres Galarraga, who hit 47 for the Rockies in 1996.
“It’s a big-time feeling," Suarez said. "It feels great to tie the ‘Big Cat’ in homers for Venezuelan players. It’s amazing. I just feel amazing."
Teammates in the visiting dugout at Chase Field could be seen enjoying the moment, namely fellow Venezuelans Freddy Galvis and Jose Peraza.
“When you watched Galarraga hitting the ball, I never thought [I could] do it. And I did it today,” Suarez said. “That’s why it’s special, more than you think. For Venezuelan players, it’s a lot. For me and my family, my wife and everybody, I think they are so proud of me and just enjoy that.”
Meanwhile, some other all-time records are in peril. Suarez is one homer away from tying the single-season record for home runs hit by a National League third baseman, held by Mike Schmidt (1980 with the Phillies) and Adrian Beltre (2004 with the Dodgers).
Another key number in reach for Suarez: 52 homers. That’s Cincinnati’s 42-year-old franchise record set in 1977 by George Foster. It’s also the Major League record for homers as a third baseman in a season, set by Alex Rodriguez with the Yankees in 2007.
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