Washington Nationals outfielder Kyle Schwarber tied the MLB modern record for the most home runs hit over any 10-game stretch on Tuesday by launching his 12th. Schwarber's homer led off the Nationals' half of the first inning, giving Washington an early 1-0 lead against the Tampa Bay Rays.
According to Baseball Reference's Stathead search function, Schwarber's 12th home run pulled him even with Albert Belle, who hopped the fence a dozen times over a 10-game stretch in September 1995. Schwarber had tied eight others for second place on Monday night, including Barry Bonds, a different 10-game stretch from Belle's aforementioned September '95, and, fittingly enough, Washington Senators' legend Frank Howard.
Here's a look at the 10 most home-run-rific 10-game stretches since 1901:
| Player | HR | Stretch started | Stretch ended |
|---|---|---|---|
Albert Belle | 12 | Sept. 15, 1995 | Sept . 27, 1995 |
Kyle Schwarber | 12 | Jun. 19, 2021 | Jun. 29, 2021 |
11 | Sept. 8, 2010 | Sept. 18, 2010 | |
Barry Bonds | 11 | May 17, 2001 | May 27, 2001 |
Sammy Sosa | 11 | May 25, 1998 | Jun. 8, 1998 |
Albert Belle | 11 | Sept. 18, 1995 | Sept. 30, 1995 |
Doug DeCinces | 11 | Jul. 29, 1982 | Aug. 8, 1982 |
Frank Howard | 11 | May 10, 1968 | May 19, 1968 |
Frank Howard | 11 | May 9, 1968 | May 19, 1968 |
Frank Howard | 11 | May 8, 1968 | May 18, 1968 |
Schwarber's hot streak began in the second game of a doubleheader on June 19. He entered Tuesday having hit .405/.463/1.297 with 11 home runs and 18 runs batted in over his most recent nine games. His tear had raised his seasonal marks to .253/.337/.569 (153 OPS+) with 24 home runs and 52 runs batted in. Schwarber had hit .227/.316/.444 with 13 homers in his first 59 games.
Schwarber joined the Nationals on a one-year deal worth $10 million with a mutual option over the offseason, after being non-tendered by the Chicago Cubs. It's fair to write that the Nationals are getting their money's worth, and some.
The Nationals entered Tuesday with a 38-38 record on the season, good for second place in the National League East. The Nationals are 7-2 during Schwarber's hot streak, and are 17-9 in June overall, putting them seven games back in the race for a spot in the Wild Card Race.
