SAN MARCOS, TEXAS — Texas State University senior Chase Mora hit his 37th career home run to become the program's all-time home run leader, surpassing Paul Goldschmidt. The record-breaking homer came with the Bobcats trailing 6-1.

Mora was originally recruited as a two-way player coming off Tommy John surgery. Head baseball coach Steven Trout said he recognized early what kind of player Mora was. "You just knew kind of watching him, the guy was a gamer. He was a winner," Trout said.

Trout said the milestone had been anticipated but was not the focus once play began. "We obviously anticipated it, knew it was going to happen. But once we got in the game, nobody was thinking about breaking the record," he said. "The one that broke it, we were down 6 to 1 at the time. So honestly I was more fired up that we were ready to get back in this baseball game and then I realized, 'Oh, that was it.'"

Mora said the pursuit of the record had been on his mind since his freshman year. "It's something you dream of. I think ever since my freshman year, I knew I was kind of on pace to have a chance at it, and the closer I got, the more it kind of weighed on my shoulders," Mora said. "When I hit that one it was like getting that monkey off my shoulder and it just allows me to go play free."

Mora reflected on surpassing the former Bobcat, who now plays for the New York Yankees. "Obviously any time you pass something that Paul Goldschmidt set is a pretty cool accomplishment," he said. Goldschmidt sent a message to Mora following the accomplishment. "Just wanted to send a big congratulations on breaking the Texas State record for career home runs. Very proud of you and look forward to many more," Goldschmidt said.

Family members were in attendance for the record-breaking game. "I had a lot of family here actually, so just for them to be here and share that moment with them meant everything to me," Mora said. Mora also credited his parents with shaping his work ethic. "My dad, ever since I was little, kind of instilled it in me — you can go as far as you want in this game. It just depends on how hard you work," he said.

Mora said his focus remains on helping the Bobcats reach the postseason. "I hope somebody eventually breaks it, because that means this place is headed in the right direction," he said.