Hardest-hit HR of Trout's career a must-see

April 21st, 2021

It's not often a three-time MVP sets a personal mark, but megastar did just that in the Angels' 6-2 win over the Rangers on Tuesday night at Angel Stadium.

Trout's sixth-inning homer at Angel Stadium left his bat at 115.5 mph -- his highest exit velocity since Statcast began tracking in 2015 -- and traveled 446 feet. His fifth homer of the season, a solo shot off Jordan Lyles, extended the Angels' lead to 3-1.

"The homer was pretty outstanding," Angels manager Joe Maddon said. "That ball was properly struck. That was kind of crushed."

It was part of an impressive night at the plate for Trout, who went 3-for-4 with a double and the homer and is batting an incredible .385/.508/.769 with five homers in 15 games. Trout, though, was helped on his double by a misplay from outfielders David Dahl and Adolis García, as the pair pulled up while the catchable ball fell between them.

But Trout showed off his amazing speed with a leadoff single in the eighth off reliever Taylor Hearn, as he turned a routine grounder near the second-base bag into an infield hit. Trout reached 30.2 feet per second on the way to first base, which is above the 30 feet per second that’s considered elite by Statcast.

"He was a little fortunate on the double with the outfielders almost colliding, but I liked him beating out that ground ball or softly hit line drive," Maddon said. "That's the kind of thing you need to get your confidence going and get your confidence up."