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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.

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.