WEST SACRAMENTO, California – Nick Kurtz once again became the hero for the Oakland Athletics. The first baseman hit a crucial two-run home run in the tenth inning against renowned closer Josh Hader, securing a vibrant 6-4 victory over the Houston Astros this Thursday night.
Kurtz’s home run, his second in just four days, left the Astros stranded. The hit came with a 2-1 count, driven by a Hader sinker that landed beyond center field. Tyler Soderstrom, who started the inning as an automatic runner on second base, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored the decisive run.
This victory represents the fifth triumph for the Athletics in their last seven games, demonstrating a solid offensive performance. Willie McIver hit his first home run in the Major Leagues, driving in two runs, while Lawrence Butler and Jacob Wilson contributed with solo home runs.
Oakland took a 4-1 lead, but the Astros’ Víctor Caratini tied the score with a three-run homer in the eighth inning, facing closer Mason Miller. However, Houston’s reaction was neutralized by Kurtz’s decisive hit in the tenth inning.
Pitcher Michael Kelly (1-0) earned the victory, retiring the three batters he faced in the tenth inning.
By the Astros, Jeremy Peña, from the Dominican Republic, had an outstanding performance with a 5-2 and an RBI, and Yainer Díaz, also Dominican, batted 1-5. Puerto Rican Caratini went 1-4 with three RBIs. Meanwhile, Venezuelan José Altuve failed to get a hit in four at-bats.
Regarding the Athletics, Mexican Luis Urías stood out by batting 2-for-4.
With this victory, Oakland continues to show signs of growth and confidence in a rebuilding season, while Houston suffered another hard setback, this time at the hands of Nick Kurtz.
