Albert Pujols hits first home game against Los Angeles Angels since his release and raises Dodgers

LOS ANGELES-Albert Pujols hit his first home game against the Los Angeles Angels after he was released in May, sending the Los Angeles Dodgers to an 8-2 victory on Sunday.

Pujols hit a two-stage homer in the second installment, combining a jump attack with Justin Turner, who left the left groin discomfort.

Pujols admired 418 feet for a short drive, then spent a joyous feast with his teammates in the well. It was the third pinch home team of Pujols ’career, the 14th home team of the season — ninth in the Dodgers uniform — and 676th on the floor.

“This isn’t the first home team I’ve hit against angels,” Pujols said. “I just think I’m happy to be in a ball club and help win the series. I didn’t think about it too much. It can be looked at differently because it’s a former team, but I don’t look at it around.”

The 41-year-old Pujols combined rookie Reid Detmers to lead the Dodgers 5-0 lead.

Pujols chatted with his former teammates before the start of the series, and then he said it was about winning the games.

“This is the first time I’ve seen some of these guys since I was released,” Pujols said. “I still have a good relationship with 95% of these guys.”

Cody Bellinger, a former NL MVP who has struggled hard this season, took home the second consecutive game and helped the world champion take two of three at Dodger Stadium in the Freeway series.

But the day belonged to the Pujols.

– It was great for him and he was ready when he was called because he was not there [the starting lineup] today, “Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.” The player enters the game. He is five strokes away, takes the stroke and strikes Homer. I tilt my hat. As for the attack on the former team, he will be happy to help Dodgers win the ball game. “