Giancarlo Stanton launches home run No. 40 on the year (Video)
By Matt Seese
For the first time in his career, Giancarlo Stanton reaches 40 home runs.
The Rockies and Marlins’ respective superstars decided to make their history just three innings apart. Colorado superstar Nolan Arenado barely got out a two-run home run in the third to reach 100 RBI, but, not to be outdone, Miami’s Giancarlo Stanton sent a laser shot out to left center for his league-leading 40th blast of the year.
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Stanton is having the best season of his career, posting his best power numbers to date. His slugging percentage is the highest it’s ever been as well as his OPS, and his average is seeing its best days since Stanton’s scary facial injury nearly three years ago. These power numbers are no surprise, but it’s how far the baseball travels that continues to be Stanton’s calling card. Stanton is averaging over 418 feet per home run, one of the longest averages this season.
“Hitting 40 homers is no easy task. Especially, this is not exactly a home run ballpark,” Miami manager Don Mattingly told the Sun Sentinel following Stanton’s 39th long ball. “So I think it speaks to his talent. But also I think he would have knocked this down a long time ago-this year he’s been able to stay on the field.”
Stanton’s health has been a constant bother for he and the Marlins, but this season, he’s avoided missing any significant time as he had in the past two seasons and has proven what he’s capable of when healthy.
Marlins Park ranks in the bottom third of runs, home runs, and hits factors while ranking last in doubles factor. Stats included or stats aside, it’s safe to say Giancarlo Stanton is back to normal.
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Since August 4, Stanton has hit seven home runs. He is currently on pace to hit 57 homers, shattering the Marlins’ single season record of 42 by Gary Sheffield. It’s pretty safe to say Giancarlo Stanton is back.