Remembering when Alex Rodriguez drove in 10 runs in one game

Happy (almost) anniversary to Alex Rodriguez, who was a baseball bat-sized thorn in Bartolo Colon’s side on April 26, 2005. In what was the greatest game of his MVP season in 2005, Rodriguez smashed three home runs and drove in an unreal 10 runs, becoming just the 11th player in MLB history to accomplish such a feat.

The fact that Rodriguez was able to do all of this against Colon, who would win the Cy Young that year, made it even more impressive. Colon came into the game having allowed just one run over 15 innings to start the season. Rodriguez, on the other hand, was off to a rocky start, despite picking up five hits and six RBI in a game just one week prior. That game seemed minuscule after his performance against Colon and the Angels.

Rodriguez entered the game with a good history of success against Colon, batting .378 with three dingers and six RBI against the right-hander. Those numbers were about to skyrocket.

Rodriguez and the Yankees jumped on Colon right away when he drilled a three-run homer to give the club a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first. The Angels responded with two runs of their own off Carl Pavano, but Rodriguez would make sure that was as close as they’d get.

Rodriguez yanked a Colon slider over the left field wall for two more RBI to put the Yankees back up three, and increase his RBI total to five through three innings. He was only halfway done.

In the following inning, Rodriguez stepped in against Colon, this time with the bases loaded. With his classic effortless-looking swing, Rodriguez connected on a 3-2 pitch and drove a grand slam to deep center. Three A-Bombs, and nine RBI helped blow the game open with a 10-2 lead.

A RBI single in the sixth would put a bow on his 10 RBI day. Rodriguez would end the evening just one RBI shy of the American League record of 11 in one game, held by fellow Yankee Tony Lazzeri. The Yankees would go on to win 12-4, and Rodriguez would use his monster game as a launching pad for his MVP season. His batting average jumped from .280 to .310, while his slugging percentage increased by over 100 points.

Three home runs in a game is an incredible accomplishment. Hitting three in four innings is just unbelievable. It was a historic day in what would became a historic season for Rodriguez. He finished the year with 48 home runs and an OPS of 1.031, both top in the league.

What was more historic about this day in Yankees history? A-Rod smashing three homers and driving in 10 runs, or Carl Pavano earning a win for the Yankees? Let us know what you think and share your memories in the comment section.