Kendrys Morales fails to break home run record

August 28, 2018

Kendrys Morales tried to make contact with the ball, but failed to hit it out of the park.

The same thing usually happens to the best hitters. But on this occasion, the fact that Morales didn't hit a home run prevented him from making history in the Major Leagues.

The Cuban saw his home run streak broken in seven games against the Baltimore Orioles, who ended an eight-game losing streak by beating the Toronto Blue Jays 7-0 on Monday.

Striving to tie the Major League record of hitting a home run in eight consecutive games, Morales went 0-for-3 with a walk and didn't hit the ball beyond the infield. In his last at-bat, the Toronto slugger struck out swinging at a fastball from Paul Fry in the eighth inning.

"It had to end sooner or later," said Morales. "I couldn't expect this to last forever."

Then, with a smile, he added: "Maybe I'll hit 10 or 15 more, but it had to end."

Despite not being able to match the mark shared by Dale Long, Don Mattingly and Ken Griffey Jr., Morales holds the Major League record for most consecutive games with home runs for a switch-hitter. He also holds the franchise record for most consecutive games with a home run.

"It's an incredible feat," said manager John Gibbons. "He tried, but he'll move on. Who knows? Maybe tomorrow he gets a couple of home runs."