Mike Trout equals legend Joe DiMaggio on career home run list

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Mike Trout will tie and pass many greats as he climbs the homer roster.

Still, there’s something special when for a few days you can say you’re tied with The Yankee Clipper.

Trout’s two-run homer in the eighth inning of Tuesday night’s 4-0 win over the Boston Red Sox is the 361st of his career, tying him to Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio at 85th on the all time list.

The three-time AL MVP said he didn’t know he tied DiMaggio until teammate Mickey Moniak told him in the Angels clubhouse after the game.

“It means a lot. Every time you pass or equalize a great or even just have the same conversation with a great, it’s really special, especially another centre-back,” Trout said.

After Taylor Ward got on board with a brace in the eighth inning, Trout hit an 84-mile change from Joely Rodriguez in the third row of the stands at center right for his 11th homer of the season.

It’s the third time in his last six games that Trout has gone deep, but he feels like his timing hasn’t been right.

His .275 average is tied for his lowest in 46 games and his 27.3% strikeout rate is the second highest of his 13-year career.

“When I’m not on time, I don’t see and recognize pitches. I check swing and swing on a lot of balls in the dirt,” he said. “When I’m ahead or on time, I recognize the pitches, I make good swings on the balls and good things happen.”

Trout is one of 11 AL players tied for sixth with 11 homers. Adolis García of Texas and Aaron Judge of the Yankees are tied for the league lead with 14.