Saturday, May 31, 2008 - Page updated at 02:56 PM

Ken Griffey Jr. hits career home run No. 599

CINCINNATI —

Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 599th career homer Saturday off Atlanta's Jair Jurrjens, a two-run shot that left him one away from an elite mark.

Griffey's homer in the first inning was a breakthrough for the Cincinnati Reds outfielder, who has been having trouble getting those last few to 600. He would become the sixth to reach the mark, joining Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays and Sammy Sosa.

The 38-year-old outfielder came into the season needing only seven to get to 600. He hit No. 597 on April 23 at Great American Ball Park, where the club has been promoting his quest for 600.

Then, Griffey went 90 at-bats before getting his next homer, in San Diego on May 22. It was the second-longest drought of his career.

He had gone 29 at-bats without a homer before he connected on Saturday in his first at-bat against Jurrjens, who became the 383rd pitcher to give up a homer by Griffey.

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