Pujols score RBI no. 2,000 against Tigers

Albert Pujols became the third recognized player in major league history to top 2,000 RBIs, as the visiting Los Angeles Angels routed the Detroit Tigers 13-0 on Thursday afternoon. Pujols tagged 2-0 fastball for his sixth home run of the season in the top of the third inning off Tigers starter Ryan Carpenter (0-1), joining Hank Aaron and Alex Rodriguez as the only players since RBIs became an official stat in 1920 to reach 2,000.

The shot to left-center field put Pujols at 2,000, behind Rodriguez (2,086) and Aaron (2,297). It was the 639th career home run for the 39-year-old Pujols, which is sixth all-time. Pujols' home made it 6-0 after Los Angeles scored five runs through the first two innings. Designated hitter Shohei Ohtani opened the scoring with an RBI single in the first, his first hit since returning from Tommy John surgery earlier this week.

Tommy La Stella had two homers and four RBIs, while Ohtani, Mike Trout, Kole Calhoun and Kevan Smith each finished with two hits. Angels "opener" Luke Bard allowed two hits in one scoreless inning. Felix Pena (2-1) then entered and allowed just three hits in seven scoreless innings, striking out seven and walking none.

(With inputs from agencies.)