SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -Barry Bonds moved a step closer to Hank Aaron’s home run record Wednesday night, hitting No. 735 in the first inning of the San Francisco Giants’ game against the San Diego Padres.
Bonds sent a 2-2 pitch from right-hander Chris Young into the first row of seats in left-center for a solo shot and a 1-0 lead, pulling the slugger within 21 of passing Hammerin’ Hank’s 755.
Moments later, “735” flashed across the new high-definition scoreboard in center field and Bonds pointed to his daughter, Aisha, and Sue Burns, the wife of late Giants ownership partner Harmon Burns who was honored on opening day with a moment of silence.
Young became the 435th pitcher to surrender a homer to Bonds, who has hit 86 against the Padres for his most against any club.
Bonds’ last homer came 193 days earlier, on Sept. 23, 2006, against the Milwaukee Brewers. He last homered in the Giants’ waterfront ballpark on Sept. 13 in a 9-8 loss to the Colorado Rockies.
Home Bonds connects for 735th home run