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5d ago

Gurriel Jr. Smashes MLB’s Fastest-Pitch Home Run at 103.9 Mph

His record-setting blast stands in stark contrast to the Diamondbacks’ continued failures with runners in scoring position.

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ACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 03: Lourdes Gurriel Jr. #12 of the Arizona Diamondbacks stands in the dugout in the third inning of their game against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park on August 03, 2025 in Sacramento, California.
Aug 5, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (12) reacts after hitting a home run in the fifth inning to tie the game against the San Diego Padres at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Lourdes Gurriel Jr. turned a 103.9 mph fastball from Padres reliever Mason Miller into a game-tying two-run homer in the eighth inning at Chase Field, setting a new MLB record for the fastest pitch ever homered off since Statcast began in 2008.
  • He opened the night by belting a two-run shot off Padres starter Yu Darvish in the first inning, marking his first multi-homer game since June and ending a home run drought dating back to July 1.
  • Gurriel’s record homer registered an exit velocity of 107.1 mph and traveled 439 feet, eclipsing the previous 103.2 mph mark set by Ian Happ last September.
  • Despite his two homers, Arizona fell 10-5 in 11 innings, went 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position and dropped to 54-60 on the season with a 4-8 extra-inning record.
  • The Diamondbacks’ bullpen has been hampered by injuries, including reliever Kevin Ginkel’s likely season-ending shoulder sprain, leaving the staff shorthanded during a pivotal stretch.