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Ortiz sets record for most HRs in a final season

Joy R. Absalon / USA TODAY Sports

David Ortiz continues to make his final major-league season one of the most impressive in history.

The Boston Red Sox designated hitter belted a record-setting, three-run home run off Baltimore Orioles starter Kevin Gausman in the seventh inning on Tuesday, giving him 36 on the year.

With the blast, Ortiz set the major-league record for most home runs by a player in their final season, passing Dave Kingman's mark of 35 set in 1986.

"I'll have to hit a couple of more so nobody can reach me," Ortiz told reporters following the 5-2 win. "It's just a number, man. I'm just trying to help this ballclub. I don't really care about personal numbers. I care about winning."

Player Team HR Season
David Ortiz Red Sox 36 2016
Dave Kingman Athletics 35 1986
Mark McGwire Cardinals 29 2001
Ted Williams Red Sox 29 1960
Barry Bonds Giants 28 2007

Ortiz also collected his 121st RBI, moving into a tie with Shoeless Joe Jackson for the most by a player in their final season.

The 40-year-old Ortiz entered Tuesday's game hitting .317/.403/.630 in 139 games.

(Video courtesy: MLB.com)

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