Bonds Hits 744th Career Home Run

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Barry Bonds hit his 744th career home run Saturday, moving within 11 of Hank Aaron's record of 755.<br/><br/>Bonds led off the 2nd inning and sent the first pitch from Phillies

Saturday, May 5th 2007, 3:43 pm

By: News On 6

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Barry Bonds hit his 744th career home run Saturday, moving within 11 of Hank Aaron's record of 755.

Bonds led off the 2nd inning and sent the first pitch from Phillies starter Jon Lieber over the fence in center for his 10th homer of the year. The San Francisco connected for the fifth time in his career against Lieber.

The 42-year-old Bonds rounded the bases to cheers as "744" flashed on the scoreboard.

Manager Bruce Bochy waited until Bonds arrived at the ballpark Saturday morning to write the seven-time NL MVP into the lineup against Lieber.

The solo shot gave Bonds 1,952 career RBIs, moving him past Stan Musial and into sole possession of fourth place on the all-time RBI list. In addition, Bonds moved into a tie for third place on all-time list for runs scored with Aaron and Babe Ruth with 2,174.

Bonds is scheduled to have a break for Sunday night's series finale, a game on ESPN against Philadelphia.

On Friday night, the Phillies paid twice for walking Bonds â€“ the Giants scored 3 runs in both the 7th and 8th innings after walks to the slugger. San Francisco won 6-2.