Nelson Cruz hit his 14th home run of the season Monday night as the Mariners beat the Angels 3-2. All five runs scored on solo homers as Felix Hernandez and Matt Shoemaker pitched outstanding games.

Cruz reached his HR total in just 26 games. That’s ahead of McGwire’s pace in 1998, in which the big slugger hit 10 in the Cardinals first 26 games. In 2001, Barry Bonds hit 12 in the Giants first 26 games. Cruz is off to a great start, but he did that in 2014 as well. If Cruz returns to his career .0585 HR/AB, he’ll hit another 32 this season. Forty-six homer is a great total for a Seattle player, but Cruz is at least establishing himself as having a shot at Roger Maris‘s AL record, and even keeping pace with Bonds and McGwire.