Fansided

Evan Longoria sets Tampa Bay Rays career home run record

By Michael Collins

Apr 18, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays infielder Evan Longoria (3) hits a single in the 6th inning against the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays infielder Evan Longoria (3) hits a single in the 6th inning against the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

The Tampa Bay Rays have a new career home run leader, and it’s third baseman Evan Longoria

Longoria became the Rays’ all-time home run leader when he hit is 164th dinger during the third inning on Saturday against New York Yankees right-hander Ivan Nova.

The two-run homer, which was Longoria’s second of the season, put the Rays up 4-0 on route to what was eventually a 16-1 blowout over the Yanks.

Longoria spoke to the press after the game:

"”I guess it was about time. It took me quite a while to do it. But it came in a game that we needed to win. This was a good statement win for us, to be able to come out against Nova, who has given us trouble in the past, and put together an offensive performance like we did today. It’s one of those games where you hope it kind of propels you going forward. It was fun to be able to do it in today’s game.” [Source: FoxSports.com]"

The win brought the Rays back to the .500 mark, at 9-9, and moved them into a tie for second place in the AL East with the Baltimore Orioles.

The three-time All-Star third baseman has spent his entire 7-year career with the Rays, and was named AL Rookie of the Year in 2008. He has been one of the most popular players in Rays history.

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