ARLINGTON -- Joey Gallo blasted two early home runs in a 6-2 victory Friday over the Royals, and his first blast, a two-run home run in the second inning, was the farthest and hardest-hit homer in the Major Leagues this season. Gallo finished 2-for-3 with three RBIs.
The second-inning blast went 462 feet into right field, and it was 116.1 mph off the bat, according to Statcast™, giving the Rangers a 3-1 lead. Even more impressive was that it came in the face of a fierce wind coming in front right field, and it still nearly hit a popcorn stand on the concourse.
"He's staying off chase pitches for the most part," manager Jeff Banister said, "using the hands much better, staying on his legs and looking for pitches to drive."
Gallo has the two hardest-hit homers in the Majors this year. He previously had tied for the hardest-hit homer of the year, with a 115.6 mph dinger earlier this season (tied with Miami's Giancarlo Stanton).
Gallo has five home runs this season, and he is the only player in the Major Leagues with three home runs of at least 435 feet. His batting average is just .214, but he was reminded what his role is, and that's to hit the ball far. Of his 35 career Major League hits, 12 have been home runs.
"[Assistant hitting coach Justin] Mashore kind of reminded me in my first couple of at-bats [Thursday] I was just trying to do too much," Gallo said. He said, 'Don't try to hit .300, be you.' So, my at-bats after that have been more the way I play and swing.
"It's nice, because last year was a little tough on me [going 1-for-25]. But this year, since Spring Training, the adjustments I've made have stayed with me and continued with me through the season, so it's nice to see that."