Athletics’ Nick Kurtz made history as the first rookie in MLB to hit four home runs in a single game, achieving this feat against Houston on Friday night with blasts in the second, sixth, eighth, and ninth innings. Over the course of six at-bats, Kurtz also doubled once, accumulating six hits total and becoming only the second player ever to record four homers and six hits in one game, matching Sean Green of the in 2002. He drove in eight runs and scored six himself, leading the Athletics to a commanding 15-3 victory over the Astros.
The 23-year-old slugger, standing 6-foot-5, has already hit 23 home runs in 66 games this season, after being selected fourth in last year’s amateur draft from Wake Forest. Since making his MLB debut on April 23 and hitting his first homer on May 13, Kurtz has quickly become a force to be reckoned with. On Friday, he homered off four Astros pitchers—Ryan Gusto, Nick Hernandez, Caleb Ortt, and Cooper Hammel. His longest home run was a 414-foot solo shot off Ortt, and his final three-run homer was a line drive to left field against Hammel, sealing the 15-2 win.
Fan Take: Nick Kurtz’s historic performance not only highlights his incredible talent as a rookie but also injects fresh excitement into the game for fans. This breakout game could signal the rise of a new baseball star, promising thrilling moments and increased competitiveness in the league.
