Nick Kurtz: A Rookie in MLB History with Four Home Runs in a Game
In a historic night for baseball, Nick Kurtz, an Athletics player, became the first rookie in Major League Baseball history to hit four home runs in a single game. This spectacular performance by the 22-year-old will be remembered as one of the most impressive offensive displays in the sport. Kurtz also tied the MLB record with 19 total bases in the 15-3 victory against the Astros in Houston. Athletics manager Mark Kotsay described the game as “the best I’ve seen from a single player”, highlighting the amazing moments Kurtz continues to offer.Kurtz was not put out in the entire game, hitting home runs in the second, sixth, eighth, and ninth innings. In addition, he hit a double and a single, culminating in a perfect 6-6 night. This feat places him alongside Shawn Green, who achieved four home runs, six hits, and 19 total bases for the Dodgers on May 23, 2002. This was the 20th four-home run game in league history and the second of this season, after Arizona’s Eugenio Suárez achieved it on April 26 against Atlanta. To date, no player has hit five home runs in a game. Kurtz finished the game with eight RBIs and six runs scored. The 6-foot-5-inch player has demonstrated his power this season with 23 home runs in 66 games. The 22-year-old player is the youngest player to achieve a four-home run game. Pat Seerey of the Chicago White Sox was 25 years old when he hit four home runs on July 18, 1948. In Friday’s game, Kurtz hit home runs against all four Astros pitchers: Ryan Gusto, Nick Hernandez, Kaleb Ort, and outfielder Cooper Hummel, who pitched in the ninth inning. His longest hit was 414 feet. In his fourth home run, Kurtz hit a line drive to left field against a 77 mph pitch from Hummel, driving in three runs and raising the score to 15-2. Kurtz’s double in the fourth inning grazed the yellow line above the visiting bullpen, narrowly missing what would have been his fifth home run. Kurtz has been the best hitter in the majors in July, leading in batting average (.425), on-base percentage (.494), slugging percentage (1.082), runs (22), doubles (13), home runs (11), and RBIs (27). In addition, he extended his hitting streak to 12 games. The data was provided by Alofoke Deportes.It’s hard to believe this day is real, it still seems like a dream. It’s quite remarkable. I was speechless. I really don’t know what to say.
Nick Kurtz
