Boston Red Sox

A-Rod homers for 3,000th career hit … and the Yankees’ crowd goes wild

New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez smiles after hitting a home run for his 3,000th career hit, during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers on Friday. AP/Frank Franklin II

The milestones keep coming for A-Rod. Provided they’re coming in the Bronx, so does the applause.

New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez notched his 3,000th career hit with a home run off Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander on Friday night. The solo home run made the 39-year-old slugger the 29th player in MLB history to reach the 3,000-hit plateau. It also staked the Yankees to a 1-0 lead over the visiting Tigers in the first inning.

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Back in pinstripes following a season-long suspension for violations of MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy, Rodriguez has chased — and surpassed — all-time legends in several statistical categories. In May, Rodriguez hit his 661st career home run to displace Willie Mays in fourth place on the all-time list. Earlier this month, Rodriguez became just the second player — along with Hank Aaron — to officially record 2,000 career RBI (Babe Ruth also passed the mark, but he played part of his career before RBI was an official statistic).

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On Friday night, Rodriguez, a three-time American League MVP, joined Derek Jeter and Wade Boggs as the only players whose 3,000th hit came on a home run.

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Red Sox – Yankees memorable moments:

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