Pujols smashes one out of the park, at last

LOS ANGELES - Albert Pujols ended the long wait for his first home run with the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday but after crossing home plate the nine-time All Star had no one in the dugout to celebrate with.

Pujols, a three-time National League MVP, signed a 10-year deal worth $240 million with the Angels in December and his sublime hitting prowess was expected to help the team become postseason contenders.

However, the 32-year-old Dominican has struggled to live up to his reputation as Major League Baseball’s most feared hitter and had gone 28 games without smashing a homer.

While he was pleased to end that drought with a two-run blast in the Angels’ 4-3 win over Toronto, the slugger said he did not feel any pressure despite batting just .196 this season.

“I put a good swing on it and hit it pretty good,” Pujols told reporters.

Reuters